Full Breakdown
Australia on Track to Eliminate Cervical Cancer by 2035
11/22/2025, 3:12:22 AM
Progress Towards Elimination
Australia is poised to become the first country to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035, according to a report from the Centre for Research Excellence in Cervical Cancer Control. The national cervical cancer rate has decreased from 6.6 per 100,000 in 2020 to 6.3 per 100,000 in 2021. Notably, there were no cervical cancer cases diagnosed in women under 25 for the first time since records began in 1982, a milestone attributed largely to the effectiveness of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program initiated in 2007.
Key Contributors to Success
The success of Australia’s cervical cancer elimination strategy is largely due to the widespread adoption of HPV vaccinations and the transition to HPV-based cervical screening. The five-year survival rate for women diagnosed with cervical cancer has improved from 73.9% in 2012-2016 to 76.8% in 2017-2021. The Albanese Government has committed $59 million to support the National Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer, which includes initiatives aimed at increasing participation in screening and vaccination, particularly among underrepresented groups.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these achievements, the report highlights concerning trends: HPV vaccination rates and cervical screening participation have both declined slightly in recent years. Specifically, HPV vaccine coverage among girls aged 15 has decreased by 5.5% between 2020 and 2024. Additionally, over one in four women eligible for cervical screening are overdue, marking a decline for the second consecutive year. The report emphasizes the need for targeted strategies to address these declines, particularly among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, who experience higher incidence and mortality rates.
Recommendations for Improvement
To ensure the 2035 elimination target is met, the report outlines several recommendations, including:
- Addressing ongoing declines in HPV vaccination coverage.
- Improving school-based immunization approaches.
- Enhancing access to cervical screening for marginalized communities.
- Developing a cervical cancer treatment monitoring framework.
Official Statements & Responses
Assistant Minister for Women, Rebecca White, stated, “Australia is leading the world in cervical cancer elimination, but we must maintain momentum to make this goal a reality.” She emphasized the importance of equitable access to vaccination and screening to sustain progress. Associate Professor Megan Smith from the University of Sydney noted, “The key to reducing cervical cancer burden in unvaccinated populations is screening and improved targeting of services to disadvantaged groups.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White: “Australia is leading the world in cervical cancer elimination, but we must maintain momentum to make this goal a reality.” — Rebecca White, Assistant Minister for Women
- “This reflects the effectiveness of human papillomavirus immunisation, which was introduced in 2007,” — Associate Professor Megan Smith, University of Sydney
- “Our national elimination strategy is centred on achieving cervical cancer elimination for all.” — Dr. Dorothy Machalek, Kirby Institute
What's Next
As Australia moves closer to its 2035 goal, ongoing monitoring of HPV vaccination and cervical screening rates will be crucial. The government and health organizations are urged to implement innovative strategies to reverse current declines and ensure that all populations, particularly those at higher risk, have access to necessary health services.
