Australia is on the verge of being the first country in the world to eliminate a type of cancer, cervical cancer, thanks to decades of intensive vaccine, screening and early treatment programs.
Health experts predict the country might reach this milestone by 2035, an objective supported by government strategy and worldwide health groups.
The human papillomavirus (HPV), a widespread infection which can currently be prevented by vaccination, is the main cause of cervical cancer. In 2007, Australia was one of the first countries to implement a national HPV vaccination program that was later rolled out to both girls and boys.
Besides vaccination, the UK has also shifted to more sophisticated HPV-based screening, which enables earlier identification and treatment of precancerous disorders. These efforts together have already drastically decreased the infection rates and cervical cancer incidence.
According to the global guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO), elimination does not entail zero cases but a reduction of incidence to less than 4 cases per 100,000 women. Experts say Australia is on course to attain and perhaps even beat this target in the coming decade.
But still, there are issues. But health authorities say dropping immunization and screening rates in some communities could hamper progress. There are significant gaps in access, especially among Indigenous populations and underserved groups, that could impede nationwide removal if not addressed.
Researchers stress that persistent public health measures, including improving access to screening and raising vaccine uptake, would be crucial to reaching eradication and ensuring it is equitable.
If successful, Australia’s program might be a roadmap for other countries striving to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.
About the Author
