Canada Fights Rising Cervical Cancer with Pop-Up Screening Clinics

TORONTO, ON – January 19, 2026 – In a concerted effort to combat a troubling rise in cervical cancer rates, clinics across Canada are launching pop-up screening events throughout January, which is Cervical Health Awareness Month. This national initiative, targeting women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 69, aims to dismantle barriers to essential healthcare by bringing screenings directly into communities.

The urgency of this campaign is underscored by a stark reality: after decades of decline, cervical cancer incidence in Canada is increasing. This reversal in public health progress has mobilized a coalition of health organizations to take decisive action, providing accessible screening opportunities for those who may lack a regular healthcare provider or struggle to find time for preventative appointments.

A Concerning Reversal in Public Health

Recent data paints a sobering picture of cervical health in the nation. According to public health reports, the rate of new cervical cancer cases in Canada saw a significant increase between 2015 and 2019, rising by an average of 3.7% annually. This marks the first sustained increase since 1984, making it the fastest-growing cancer among females in the country. Experts describe the trend as a "concerning plateau" that jeopardizes Canada's goal of eliminating the disease by 2040—a target defined as achieving fewer than four cases per 100,000 women.

Currently, the projected incidence rate is nearly double that target. This increase is linked to several factors, including a decline in screening participation. National data shows that Pap smear uptake among eligible individuals dropped from 74% in 2017 to 69% in 2024. This gap in preventative care is a critical issue, as early detection through screening is the most effective tool against the disease. Certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) are the primary cause of cervical cancer, and as Dr. Karla Willows, Assistant Professor in the Division of Gynaecologic Oncology at Dalhousie University, notes, "four out of five people have HPV at some point in their lives."

On the Front Lines: Clinics Closing the Access Gap

The pop-up clinics are a direct, on-the-ground response to this challenge. By offering dedicated, often drop-in services, they remove common hurdles to screening. In Ontario, several health centres have already mobilized. St. Joseph's Health Care London hosted a "Pop-up Cervical Check" clinic for individuals who had not been screened in the last three years. In Ottawa, the Somerset West Community Health Centre held a similar event specifically for clients without a regular doctor. Meanwhile, the Thames Valley Family Health Team in St. Thomas has scheduled multiple free screening clinics throughout 2026, accommodating both appointments and walk-ins.

These initiatives are designed to reach those who fall through the cracks of the traditional healthcare system. "Improving access to cervical screening across Canada is key to ensuring everyone has a fair chance at prevention and early detection of cervical cancer," Dr. Willows stated, emphasizing the initiative's focus on health equity.

The clinics address a spectrum of barriers, from the logistical challenge of booking appointments to the systemic issue of not having a primary care physician. For many, these pop-ups represent the only feasible opportunity to prioritize their health and receive a screening that can be lifesaving.

A United Front Against a Preventable Disease

This nationwide effort is not the work of a single entity but a powerful collaboration between non-profits, medical societies, and industry leaders. The partnership includes HPV Global Action, the Women's Health Coalition, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada (SOGC), the Society of Canadian Colposcopists, and Hologic Inc. This united front leverages combined expertise and resources to maximize impact.

Leaders from these partner organizations have voiced a shared commitment to a future free of cervical cancer. "We have the tools to eliminate cervical cancer," said Amelie Mcfadyen, CEO of HPV Global Action. "Expanding access to HPV-based cervical screening, ensuring strong support through every step of care, and empowering women with knowledge to act on screening opportunities bring us closer to a future free of cervical cancer."

This sentiment is echoed by other partners. "We need to raise awareness and work with diverse health care professionals to reach women where they are," stated Carmen Wyton, Chair and Founder of the Women's Health Coalition. Cidalia Sluce, National Manager for the SOGC, added that improving access is fundamental to providing "a fair chance at early detection and preventing cervical cancer."

Sheron Brosseau, Marketing Manager at Hologic Inc., highlighted the mission to address care gaps. "Many women are not receiving the care they deserve, and as a leading innovator in women's health, we are on a mission to change that," she said. "We are grateful to work with our partners and clinics across Canada to bring these pop-ups to women and people with a cervix."

The Future of Screening: A Shift to HPV-First Testing

While the January pop-ups provide an immediate solution, they are also part of a broader evolution in Canada's approach to cervical cancer prevention. Provinces like Alberta and Quebec are actively transitioning from the traditional Pap test to primary HPV testing as the new standard of care. This modern screening method is more sensitive, allowing for the detection of high-risk HPV strains that cause most cervical cancers, often before cell changes even occur.

Alberta is already offering HPV testing to individuals aged 50-69 and is planning to expand it to younger age groups. Quebec is aiming for full provincial implementation of the new HPV tests by mid-2026. This systemic shift is a critical step toward the 2040 elimination goal.

Furthermore, the adoption of HPV testing opens the door for self-sampling options in the future. Self-collection kits could revolutionize screening by allowing individuals to collect a sample privately at home, overcoming significant barriers related to geography, cultural sensitivities, trauma, and lack of time. This combination of immediate outreach through pop-up clinics and long-term innovation in screening technology offers a renewed sense of hope in the national effort to make cervical cancer a disease of the past.