What’s cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lining of the cervix. It is primarily caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and is the 4th most common form of cancer among women worldwide.
Where does this goal come from?
In 2018, a study from the Cancer Council NSW determined that cervical cancer was likely to be eliminated as a public health issue in Australia by 2035 if vaccination and screening coverage were maintained.
The World Health Organisation says that elimination is achieved when there are fewer than four new cases of cervical cancer per 100,000 women and people with a cervix.
A pathway to this goal was co-developed by the Australian Government in partnership with the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer in 2023.
What does the data say?
The Centre for Research Excellence in Cervical Cancer Control has confirmed that rates of cervical cancer among Australian women are continuing to fall.
And in 2021, there were no cervical cancer cases diagnosed in women aged younger than 25 – the first time that this has occurred in data going back to 1982.
The Centre claims this achievement is “almost certainly due to the impact of HPV vaccination” and cervical screening programs.
Additionally, the Centre found that the number of cervical cancer diagnoses had fallen from 6.6 per 100,000 people in 2020 to 6.3 per 100,000 in the following year.
Five-year survival rates for women diagnosed with cervical cancer also improved.
Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, told Missing Perspectives that this progress was “big news for women in Australia and around the world, where countries are watching how we lead.”
“We know that both HPV vaccines and cervical screenings, including the new self-collect options, have been the real game-changer here.”
What’s next?
Despite the significance of this milestone, the Centre for Research Excellence in Cervical Cancer Control says it will be “important to continue to monitor [incidence rates] in coming years”.
Their latest report reveals that HPV vaccine coverage in girls by age 15 has declined in recent years, with a 5.5% decrease in uptake between 2020 and 2024.
“Inequity in coverage continues to increase, notably for Indigenous adolescents, in very remote and remote areas, and by jurisdiction of residence,” warns the Centre.
Assistant Minister for Women, The Hon Rebecca White MP, says the Albanese Government is determined “to ensure cervical screening is inclusive, accessible and effective”.
“Australia’s early adoption of HPV vaccines for girls and young women and timely switch to cervical screening rather than Pap smears have us well on track to achieve elimination [by 2035] and save more lives,” said White.
“But we must continue to improve equitable access to maintain rates of HPV vaccination and make sure everyone has access to cervical screening.”
Image – Cervical Cancer Vaccine (AAP Image/UIG/BSIP)