2026-06-02
A Possible Elimination of Cervical Cancer?
Gynecology
By Ana Espino | Published on June 02, 2026 | 4 min read
Long regarded as one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, cervical cancer could become the first cancer to be eliminated as a public health problem in some countries. Australia is now on track to become the first country in the world to achieve this goal through a strategy built on three pillars: human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, organized screening, and early treatment of precancerous lesions. A review published in the Medical Journal of Australia examines the progress made and the challenges that remain.
Australia has been a pioneer in the fight against HPV. In 2007, it introduced a national HPV vaccination program and, in 2017, replaced the traditional Pap smear with HPV-based screening, which is more effective at identifying women at risk.
These measures have led to a dramatic reduction in the circulation of cancer-causing HPV types and a significant decline in precancerous lesions among vaccinated younger generations. According to projections, Australia could reach the elimination threshold established by the World Health Organization (WHO) by 2035.
One of the most significant developments has been the widespread adoption of self-collected vaginal sampling for HPV testing. Available to all eligible individuals since 2022, this method allows people to collect their own sample without undergoing a gynecological examination.
Its uptake has increased rapidly, accounting for nearly half of all HPV tests performed in 2025. This approach appears particularly effective in reaching individuals who previously participated little or not at all in traditional screening programs.
Despite these encouraging results, several barriers remain. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women continue to experience higher incidence and mortality rates than the rest of the population. People living in rural or socioeconomically disadvantaged areas are also less likely to benefit from prevention programs.
The authors also highlight a recent decline in HPV vaccination coverage since the COVID-19 pandemic, a trend that could slow the progress achieved so far.
Beyond its own borders, Australia is supporting several countries across the Asia-Pacific region in their efforts to eliminate cervical cancer. Initiatives in Vanuatu, Malaysia, and Timor-Leste demonstrate that access to vaccination and screening can be improved rapidly, even in resource-limited settings.
This review shows that the elimination of cervical cancer is no longer an unattainable goal. However, achieving this objective will require maintaining high vaccination coverage, improving access to screening, and, above all, reducing the inequalities that persist within certain populations.
Australia’s experience may therefore serve as a valuable model for many countries seeking to follow the same path toward the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health concern.
About the author – Ana Espino
PhD in Immunology, specialized in Virology
As a scientific writer, Ana is passionate about bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. With expertise in immunology, virology, oncology, and clinical studies, she makes complex science clear and accessible. Her mission: to accelerate knowledge sharing and empower evidence-based decisions.
Long regarded as one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, cervical cancer could become the first cancer to be eliminated as a public health problem in some countries. Australia is now on track to become the first country in the world to achieve this goal through a strategy built on three pillars: human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, organized screening, and early treatment of precancerous lesions. A review published in the Medical Journal of Australia examines the progress made and the challenges that remain.
A Strategy That Is Delivering Results
Australia has been a pioneer in the fight against HPV. In 2007, it introduced a national HPV vaccination program and, in 2017, replaced the traditional Pap smear with HPV-based screening, which is more effective at identifying women at risk.
These measures have led to a dramatic reduction in the circulation of cancer-causing HPV types and a significant decline in precancerous lesions among vaccinated younger generations. According to projections, Australia could reach the elimination threshold established by the World Health Organization (WHO) by 2035.
Self-Collection: A Major Driver of Screening Uptake
One of the most significant developments has been the widespread adoption of self-collected vaginal sampling for HPV testing. Available to all eligible individuals since 2022, this method allows people to collect their own sample without undergoing a gynecological examination.
Its uptake has increased rapidly, accounting for nearly half of all HPV tests performed in 2025. This approach appears particularly effective in reaching individuals who previously participated little or not at all in traditional screening programs.
Persistent Inequalities Still Hinder Elimination Efforts
Despite these encouraging results, several barriers remain. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women continue to experience higher incidence and mortality rates than the rest of the population. People living in rural or socioeconomically disadvantaged areas are also less likely to benefit from prevention programs.
The authors also highlight a recent decline in HPV vaccination coverage since the COVID-19 pandemic, a trend that could slow the progress achieved so far.
A Model for the Asia-Pacific Region
Beyond its own borders, Australia is supporting several countries across the Asia-Pacific region in their efforts to eliminate cervical cancer. Initiatives in Vanuatu, Malaysia, and Timor-Leste demonstrate that access to vaccination and screening can be improved rapidly, even in resource-limited settings.
Leaving No One Behind
This review shows that the elimination of cervical cancer is no longer an unattainable goal. However, achieving this objective will require maintaining high vaccination coverage, improving access to screening, and, above all, reducing the inequalities that persist within certain populations.
Australia’s experience may therefore serve as a valuable model for many countries seeking to follow the same path toward the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health concern.
About the author – Ana Espino
PhD in Immunology, specialized in Virology
As a scientific writer, Ana is passionate about bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. With expertise in immunology, virology, oncology, and clinical studies, she makes complex science clear and accessible. Her mission: to accelerate knowledge sharing and empower evidence-based decisions.
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