Australia on Track to Eliminate Cervical Cancer by 2035
In a landmark achievement for global public health, Australia is projected to become the first country to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue—potentially by 2035 or earlier.
This would be a first in global cancer prevention.
The success is largely driven by the HPV vaccine Gardasil, developed by Australian scientists, combined with enhanced screening programs. Australia launched a national HPV vaccination program in 2007, which was extended to boys in 2013.
The country has also replaced traditional Pap smears with HPV-based screening every five years, and now offers self-collection options to improve access.
Historic Results
The impact has been dramatic:
- Since 1982, cervical cancer cases and deaths have dropped by 50%.
- In 2021, Australia reported zero cervical cancer cases in women under 25 for the first time.
Remaining Challenges
Despite this progress, significant hurdles remain:
- Indigenous communities face higher cervical cancer rates and barriers to healthcare access.
- Vaccine hesitancy, missed school vaccinations, and rising medical costs could slow further progress.
International Efforts
Australia is extending its expertise to neighboring countries, assisting Pacific nations like Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea in strengthening their own prevention programs.
Global efforts to eliminate cervical cancer entirely are described by experts as unprecedented in public health history.
Source: BBC News