Australia is reportedly on track to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2035, a goal flagged by various reports and governmental statements over the past year. The nation has already met a significant World Health Organization (WHO) scale-up target for cervical screening, positioning it as a potential frontrunner globally. However, persistent challenges in vaccination coverage and equitable access to screening mean some groups may still be left behind.
Reports from late 2025 and earlier in 2024 have consistently highlighted the falling rates of cervical cancer across the country. This decline is largely attributed to the introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation program in 2007 and ongoing screening efforts. The self-collection option for cervical screening has been noted as a particularly effective tool, improving participation among previously under-screened populations, including First Nations people, multicultural communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those in regional and remote areas.
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Despite these advancements, concerns remain regarding recent slight declines in both HPV vaccination rates and overall cervical screening participation. Experts stress the need for renewed focus on these areas to ensure the elimination goal is met comprehensively. Collecting more timely and accurate data is seen as crucial for developing targeted solutions.
"While this is a great result, the key to reducing cervical cancer burden in unvaccinated populations is screening and improved targeting of services to disadvantaged groups, such as First Nations people, who experience far higher incidence and mortality rates than the general population.”
The push for elimination involves several recommended actions for stakeholders. These include addressing ongoing drops in HPV vaccination coverage and revitalizing school-based immunisation programs to better suit the current landscape. A significant point of emphasis is prioritizing vaccination equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents.
Further recommendations point to the need to address declining screening participation rates, particularly resolving data gaps for First Nations women. Reviewing data suppression rules for small counts and enhancing national cancer data reporting and release are also highlighted. The development of a cervical cancer treatment monitoring framework is also proposed.
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The possibility of achieving this elimination goal is underscored by figures indicating Australia's current low incidence of cervical cancer, with approximately 6.3 new cases per 100,000 women. Yet, the stark reality remains for individuals like Chrissy Walters, whose terminal diagnosis serves as a poignant reminder that even as national targets are approached, the human cost of the disease is not yet eradicated.
