On 17 November 2020, 194 countries committed to eliminate a cancer for the first time with the launch of the World Health Organization’s Global Strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. The strategy sets ambitious targets for 2030:
- 90% of girls vaccinated against HPV by age 15
- 70% of women screened with a high-performance test by age 35 and again at 45
- 90% of women with cervical disease receiving treatment
What is HPV and Why Vaccinate?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus transmitted through intimate contact which can affect the skin, genital area, and throat. While most infections clear naturally, some HPV strains cause cervical and other cancers (including throat and anal cancers). HPV vaccination is key to prevention, however, HPV vaccination rates have declined in Australia in recent years.
The Australian National Strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer in Australia has set national targets, that aligns with the WHO strategy:
- 90% of all adolescents vaccinated against HPV by 15 years of age,
- 70% of women aged 25-74 years participating in cervical screening every 5 years,
- 95% of those with cervical disease receiving optimal treatment for pre-cancer and cancer,
- Less than 4 new cases of cervical cancer for every 100,000 women.
Parents and caregivers are urged to ensure adolescents receive the HPV vaccine, available free under the National Immunisation Program, primarily through a school-based program for young people aged 12-13 years. If young persons, up to the age of 25 missed the vaccine at school, they can still receive the HPV vaccine through their ACCHOs, GPs and some pharmacies.
While elimination is within reach in Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women continue to be unequally affected by cervical cancer. AH&MRC attended a World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day event hosted by The Cancer Institute NSW, to discuss research findings and strategies for scaling up cervical cancer screening and its potential impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
Here’s how ACCHOs and communities can take action:
- Check immunisation history at each visit
- Community members to book an appointment for vaccinations and cervical screening
- Share accurate information with communities, family, and friends
