Australia Aims to Eliminate Cervical Cancer

In Australia, Chrissy Walters’ battle with advanced cervical cancer coincides with the nation’s effort to become the first in the world to eliminate the disease. Six months after giving birth, Walters received a diagnosis that may mean her 12-year-old daughter will grow up without her. She has undergone over a decade of treatment, but the cancer has spread.

Australia is pursuing a two-pronged approach: vaccination and screening. Since 2006, scientists at the University of Queensland developed Gardasil, a vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer.

In 2006, Australia launched a national vaccination program, later expanded to include boys. They also shifted to more sensitive HPV-based cervical screening in 2017, allowing for self-collection.

Current data shows roughly 6.3 new cases per 100,000 women. However, vaccination rates have slightly decreased, particularly among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, who face greater barriers to healthcare and higher rates of the disease. Researchers note that maintaining progress requires addressing these disparities and ensuring continued access to vaccination, especially after disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.