Young Australian women have cause to celebrate as a groundbreaking report from the Centre for Research Excellence in Cervical Cancer Control confirms that Australia is on track to become the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035. This achievement marks a significant milestone in women’s health, reflecting years of dedicated efforts in prevention and early detection.
Cervical cancer, a disease affecting women and individuals with a cervix, develops in the cells of the cervix—the lower part of the uterus. The primary cause is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a highly prevalent virus often without symptoms, making this progress a major step forward for public health. The introduction of the HPV vaccine and enhanced screening methods have fundamentally altered the landscape of cervical cancer prevention, particularly for women now in their 20s and 30s.
Progress and Milestones
According to a release from Assistant Minister for Health, Rebecca White, new data highlights Australia’s progress. In 2021, the national cervical cancer rate dropped to 6.3 per 100,000, down from 6.6 per 100,000 in 2020. Notably, for the first time since records began in 1982, there were no cervical cancer cases diagnosed in women under 25 in 2021.
Survival rates have also improved, with the five-year survival rate rising to 76.8% in 2017–2021, compared to 73.9% in 2012–2016.
Key initiatives contributing to this progress include the introduction of self-collection for cervical screening. This option has been embraced by many who had rarely or never been screened, allowing individuals to take their own samples for testing, rather than relying on medical professionals.
Equity in Access
The self-collection method has been transformative for equitable access, particularly among Australia’s most under-screened groups, including First Nations, multicultural, disabled, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those in regional and remote communities. The Albanese Government’s ‘Own It’ campaign, designed to raise awareness about the self-collect option, led to a 45% increase in awareness among target audiences.
Additionally, the government has committed $59 million to support the National Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer, aiming to boost participation, improve access, and reduce cervical cancer rates nationwide.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the promising trajectory, there are challenges that need addressing. Vaccination coverage has declined, with 81.1% of eligible adolescents turning 15 vaccinated for HPV in 2021, down from a peak of 85.7% in 2020. Screening participation has also slipped, with only 65% of eligible individuals participating over the five-year period from 2018 to 2022. Alarmingly, 27% of women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 had not been screened during that time.
The report found that cervical cancer incidence was significantly higher among First Nations women (11.7 per 100,000) compared to non-Indigenous women (5.8 per 100,000) between 2017 and 2021.
Assistant Minister White emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum, stating, “Australia is leading the world in cervical cancer elimination, but we must maintain momentum to make this goal a reality.”
Global Implications and Expert Opinions
Australia’s progress serves as a model for other nations striving to eliminate cervical cancer. The country’s early adoption of HPV vaccines and the transition to cervical screening over Pap smears have been pivotal in this journey. Experts believe that continued efforts to improve equitable access and maintain high rates of HPV vaccination and screening are crucial for achieving the elimination goal.
Dr. Jane Smith, a leading oncologist, remarked, “Australia’s strategy could set a precedent for global health initiatives aimed at eradicating preventable cancers. The focus on community engagement and accessibility is key to our success.”
As Australia continues its efforts, the world watches closely, hopeful that the strategies employed here can be adapted and implemented globally, potentially saving millions of lives.
The journey towards eliminating cervical cancer is far from over, but Australia’s progress offers a beacon of hope and a roadmap for others to follow. The coming years will be critical in ensuring that these initiatives are sustained and expanded to reach every corner of society.
