Australia is on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035, thanks to a combined strategy of prevention and early detection. A central pillar is the widespread HPV vaccination program, which began in 2007 and was extended to boys in 2013, significantly reducing the transmission of the virus responsible for the disease. The Gardasil vaccine, developed in Australia, marked a turning point, boosting global prevention efforts.
At the same time, the country adopted an advanced screening system: in 2017, it replaced the Pap test with a more sensitive HPV-based screening. It also introduced the option of self-testing, making access easier for women who avoid gynecological exams or face practical barriers.
The results are impressive: since 1982, both incidence and mortality have been reduced by half, and in 2021 no cases were recorded among women under 25. Today, incidence stands at 6.3 cases per 100,000 women, approaching the elimination target (fewer than 4 per 100,000).
However, inequalities remain. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experience double the incidence and triple the mortality rate, mainly due to delayed diagnosis and limited access to healthcare services. Factors such as vaccine hesitancy after the pandemic, cost, and school absenteeism make universal coverage more difficult.
Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide (about 350,000 deaths annually).
Despite the challenges, the Australian model shows that elimination is achievable, although applying it in low-income countries remains difficult without sufficient resources and infrastructure.
HPV vaccination programs require stable funding for vaccine procurement, distribution through schools or communities, and public awareness campaigns. Similarly, organized screening programs require laboratory infrastructure, trained personnel, and monitoring systems, which are often lacking.
Source: ΒBC
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