New reports highlight the critical role of accessible screening in reducing cancer mortality across Canada
Canada is making significant strides in developing and improving lung and cervical cancer screening programs nationwide, according to recent environmental scan reports from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (the Partnership).
These reports highlight the importance of regular screening in detecting cancer early, which can be crucial in saving lives.
“Screening programs that are more accessible to everyone, including those in rural and remote areas, newcomers to Canada, and all populations across the country, can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment,” says Craig Earle, CEO of the Partnership.
He emphasizes that this is why the Partnership continues to invest in new, innovative screening programs and approaches. The reports provide a detailed overview of the status of cancer screening programs in all provinces and territories.
For lung cancer screening, six provinces—British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland & Labrador—currently offer screening through established programs or pilots.
Meanwhile, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island are in the process of planning and implementing similar programs with support and funding from the Partnership.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Canada, with one in 14 Canadians expected to be affected in their lifetime. It often goes undetected in its early stages, making screening especially critical.
Research shows that screening individuals at high risk can significantly reduce lung cancer mortality by detecting it early when
In 2023, an estimated 1,550 people in Canada were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and over 400 died from the disease. Canada has committed to eliminating cervical cancer by 2040, with the support of the Action Plan for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer.
As cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), primary HPV screening has been identified as a more effective method for early detection than the traditional Pap test.
The cervical cancer screening report shows that several provinces and territories are transitioning toward HPV primary screening, with Prince Edward Island and British Columbia having already implemented or partially implemented it.
Eight provinces and one territory are actively planning to adopt this screening method. Additionally, British Columbia is leading in HPV self-screening, being the first province to implement this method.
