Cervical Cancer Screenings Decline in Canada

Fewer Women Undergoing Pap Tests Amid Shifting Screening Methods

Canadian women are skipping vital Pap smear tests, a key tool for detecting cervical cancer, with uptake dropping significantly since 2017. This trend raises concerns as the nation navigates a transition toward newer HPV screening methods.

Screening Rates Dip

Statistics Canada reported a noticeable decline in cervical cancer screenings. In 2024, only 69 percent of women aged 25 to 69 had a Pap test within the previous three years, a decrease from 74 percent in 2017. The trend is more pronounced among older women, with 64 percent of those aged 50 to 69 undergoing the test last year, compared to 70 percent of younger women aged 25 to 34.

Provincial Disparities Emerge

Regional differences in screening rates reflect a broader shift. Some provinces are moving towards or have already adopted human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, the primary cause of cervical cancer, as a replacement for Pap smears. Provinces like Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and British Columbia are now below the national average, while Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario remain above it.

Barriers to Testing Identified

Obstacles to accessing Pap tests are multifaceted. Dr. **Diane Francoeur**, a prominent obstetrician-gynaecologist and CEO of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, highlighted issues such as doctor shortages and a lack of accessible information, particularly for immigrant and Indigenous women. She noted that systemic mistreatment and mistrust within the healthcare system also contribute to lower screening rates.

“Cancer of the cervix is a cancer that can be treated, but it’s really, really, really aggressive,” said Dr. Francoeur, emphasizing that HPV tests are proving to be more effective in screening for the cancer than traditional Pap smears.

—Dr. Diane Francoeur, CEO, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada

Reasons for Skipping Screenings

Common reasons cited by women for not having a recent Pap smear include a belief that the test isn’t necessary (26 percent) or that their healthcare provider didn’t deem it so or failed to bring it up (25 percent). Other factors include lack of time (13 percent), not having a regular healthcare provider (13 percent), and experiencing fear or discomfort (11 percent).

The decline in Pap test uptake is concerning, as early detection remains crucial for effective treatment. Public health initiatives are increasingly focusing on HPV vaccination and testing as primary prevention strategies. For instance, a 2025 study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology indicated that HPV DNA testing alone has a higher sensitivity for detecting high-grade cervical lesions compared to cytology (Pap tests).

Shift Towards HPV Testing

As Canada transitions, the effectiveness of HPV testing in identifying the virus that causes cervical cancer is becoming increasingly recognized. This change in screening strategy, while promising for early detection, necessitates clear communication and accessible pathways for all women to ensure continued protection against cervical cancer.