By Ana Espino | Published on June 02, 2026 | 4 min readLong 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) vac
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.
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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Scientific reference
Yuill S, et al. Cervical Cancer Elimination in Australia and the Asia Pacific: Progress and Barriers. Med J Aust. 2026 Apr;224(4):e70164. doi: 10.5694/mja2.70164. Erratum in: Med J Aust. 2026 May;224(5):e70204. doi: 10.5694/mja2.70204. PMID: 41914308; PMC
