Canada’s path toward eliminating cervical cancer depends on HPV vaccination, accessible screening, and timely follow-up. Basia Medical is developing technologies that address the screening experience and the steps that come after it.
By Basia Medical · Updated
Cervical cancer rates in Canada
The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that 1,700 women in Canada will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2026 and 450 will die from it. These are projections, rather than a final count of diagnoses or deaths.
An October 31, 2026 CTV News report examined rising cervical cancer rates among Canadian women aged 35–54, despite advances in vaccination and screening. Dr. Julie Ann Francis, Basia Medical’s Co-Founder and Clinical Lead, contributed her clinical perspective.
Screening is part of a longer path through care
The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer’s elimination plan identifies three priorities: improving HPV vaccination, implementing HPV-based screening, and improving follow-up of screening results. Canada’s goal is to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2040.
The plan calls for equitable access to screening and for people with a positive HPV test to receive a clear follow-up plan. Better testing and reliable access to the next step in care need to advance together.
For information about cervical screening, visit the Canadian Cancer Society’s screening resource.
New cervical screening technologies in development
Basia Medical is working on two connected challenges: making cervical sample collection more practical and comfortable, and helping care teams keep track of follow-up after an abnormal result. These are the goals guiding development, rather than claims of proven clinical outcomes.
Safi combines a speculum-free device, AI guidance, and a proprietary sampling brush in one cervical screening platform. Its development focuses on cervical examination and direct sample collection. Explore Safi.
Wema is a digital health platform being developed to support follow-up after abnormal cervical screening results. Its approach includes clear care-team ownership, tracked next steps, and patient communication. Explore Wema.
Safi and Wema are both in development and not yet available. Basia’s clinical research addresses specimen adequacy, comfort, usability, AI guidance, and follow-up workflows.
Clinical expertise and the latest news
Dr. Julie Ann Francis is Division Head of Gynecologic Oncology at Lakeridge Health and cervical cancer screening lead for Ontario Health’s Central East region. At Basia Medical, she directs clinical workflow and study execution.
Visit the Basia Medical newsroom for media coverage, team announcements, and updates on our work in cervical cancer screening. For research collaborations or media enquiries, contact Basia Medical.