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Cervical Cancer: 5 Key Steps to Eliminate This Preventable Disease

Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer: 5 Key Steps to Eliminate This Preventable Disease

Cervical cancer remains a major health concern, but with the rise of HPV vaccination and screening programs, its elimination is within reach.

This is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it continues to claim thousands of lives each year. Thanks to advances in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, screening, and treatment, many countries are making significant progress toward eliminating the disease. However, progress is still too slow, and more efforts are needed to achieve global elimination goals.

The role of HPV vaccination in the prevention of cervical cancer

One of the most effective ways to combat cervical cancer is widespread HPV vaccination. The HPV vaccine provides protection against high-risk virus strains that cause almost all cases of cervical cancer. By 2024, 47 of the 53 countries in the WHO European Region have incorporated HPV vaccination into their national immunization programs. Additionally, 39 countries now offer the vaccine to both boys and girls, increasing herd immunity and further reducing HPV-related cancers.

For example, Portugal has maintained vaccination coverage above 90% since starting the program in 2008. Countries with high vaccination rates have reported a 90% reduction in HPV infections and up to a 70% reduction in pre-cancer risk in young women. However, vaccination rates in many countries remain well below the 90% target set by the WHO, highlighting the need for better awareness and access to the vaccine.

Cervical Cancer
Doctor showing examination results on the digital tablet

The importance of early detection and treatment

Although vaccination plays an important role in preventing the cancer, it does not eliminate all risks. Regular screening for cervical cancer is essential for early detection of precancerous changes. Screening programmes using high-performance HPV tests have proven to be highly effective in preventing cancer development by identifying abnormalities and treating them before they grow.

Currently, 37 of the 53 European countries have screening programmes in place, but only 15 of them have reached the recommended 70% coverage. Early detection through the Pap test and HPV test significantly improves survival rates by enabling timely treatment. Increasing access to quality screening programmes should be a priority for all health systems.

The way to eliminate cervical cancer

The World Health Organization has set ambitious goals under its cervical cancer elimination initiative, aiming to achieve the 90-70-90 targets by 2030:

  • 90% of girls are fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by age 15
  • 70% of women are screened for cervical cancer by age 35, and again by age 45
  • 90% of women with cervical disease receive appropriate treatment

These goals are designed to help the world eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat by the end of this century. However, achieving these goals requires overcoming major challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, lack of awareness, and healthcare inequities in some regions.

5 Key Steps to Reduce Cervical Cancer Cases

To accelerate progress, governments and healthcare providers need to focus on the following:

  • Increasing access to HPV vaccine by integrating it into the national immunization program
  • Expanding screening coverage to ensure more women are screened regularly
  • Raising public awareness about the importance of vaccination and early detection
  • Addressing healthcare disparities to ensure women in low-resource areas have access to screening and treatment
  • Investing in research and innovation to improve vaccination and screening technologies

The Future of Cervical Cancer Prevention

New research shows that even a single dose of the HPV vaccine provides long-term protection against cervical cancer. Additionally, advances in AI-powered screening tools are improving early detection, especially in low-resource areas. With continued innovation and strong public health policies, eliminating cervical cancer is no longer a distant dream but a concrete reality.

Cervical cancer is preventable, and the tools to eliminate it already exist. By prioritizing HPV vaccination, regular screenings, and timely treatment, we can ensure that future generations of women no longer have to fear this disease. Now is the time to take action and accelerate the fight against cervical cancer.

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