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Countries Show That Prevention, Early Diagnosis, and Continuous Access Can Change The Course Of One Of The Diseases That Kill Young Women The Most In The World
Australia is very close to achieving a historic milestone in global public health: becoming the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue. This progress is not a coincidence. On the contrary, it results from a consistent strategy based on mass HPV vaccination, modern screening, and continuity of care over the years.
This information was released by official reports from the Australian Government’s Department of Health and detailed in the 2025 Cervical Cancer Elimination Progress Report, published in November. According to the latest data, the country already shows indicators compatible with the global goal of eliminating the disease, established by the World Health Organization.
Meanwhile, Brazil, despite facing structural challenges and regional inequalities, is beginning to forge a similar path, betting on expanding vaccination and modernizing cervical cancer screening within the Unified Health System.
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How Australia Reduced Injuries, HPV Circulation, and Deaths
First of all, it is important to understand how the country reached this level. The decisive turning point began in 2017, when Australia replaced the Pap smear with the HPV test as the primary method of population screening. This change significantly increased the ability to detect high-risk infections even before the emergence of lesions.
As a direct result, among women monitored by the program, the detection of high-grade precursor lesions, known as HSIL, fell 21%. This indicates that the first round of tests identified and treated a significant portion of the changes that could evolve into invasive cancer early.
Moreover, the circulation of the most aggressive virus types plummeted. In 2024, the prevalence of HPV types 16 and 18 — responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases — was just 1.4%. Other high-risk types also showed an additional decline of 6.9% since 2019, reinforcing the collective impact of vaccination and organized screening.
Consequently, the advances reflected in patient survival. The five-year survival rate increased from 73.9% to 76.8%, according to official data from the Australian government. This is a relevant growth in an indicator historically sensitive to the quality of diagnosis and treatment.
The coverage numbers are also impressive. By the end of 2024, 85% of women between 35 and 39 years old had undergone at least one HPV test. Considering updated exams, national coverage reached 74.2%. Between 2019 and 2023, more than 5 million people participated in the program, bringing the country closer to the goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health issue.
Brazil Advances with Vaccination, DNA-HPV, and Changes in Screening
While Australia reaps the results of a strategy initiated over a decade ago, Brazil is at a decisive moment. The country has one of the largest public immunization programs in the world and has been consistently expanding protection against HPV.
HPV is related to about 80% of cervical cancer cases. Moreover, it is also associated with cancers of the vulva, penis, anus, and oropharynx. The infection is extremely common and occurs mainly through sexual contact, often silently.
The HPV vaccine, offered free of charge by the SUS, is now the main prevention tool. In 2024, coverage of the first dose among girls surpassed 82%, exceeding the global average. Among boys, coverage reached 67%, with gradual growth in recent years.
Since 2023, Brazil has also expanded the priority groups for vaccination, including victims of sexual violence, a measure that strengthens protection in situations of greater vulnerability.
Another important milestone occurred in 2025, when the country began implementing the DNA-HPV test as the primary screening method, progressively replacing the Pap smear. This change brings clear benefits, such as greater sensitivity to identify risk, intervals of up to five years after a negative test, possibility of self-collection in specific populations, and early identification before the emergence of lesions.
The technology is already available. However, the challenge now is to ensure equitable access, efficient logistics, and continuity of care across all regions of the country, especially in the most vulnerable areas.
Impact of the Disease, Inequalities, and the Importance of Early Diagnosis
Despite the advances, cervical cancer still represents a significant burden in Brazil. According to data from the National Cancer Institute, the country registers approximately 17,000 new cases per year in the 2023–2025 triennium.
The disease remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among young women. Regional inequalities continue to be a significant obstacle. The North and Northeast regions account for the highest incidence and mortality rates, reflecting irregular access to preventive exams, late diagnosis, and difficulties in treatment follow-up.
In the early stages, cervical cancer is often silent, making regular screening essential. Still, some signs deserve attention, such as bleeding outside of menstrual periods, bleeding after sexual intercourse, persistent and abnormal discharge, and pelvic pain.
When identified early, treatment tends to be less invasive, and the chances of cure are significantly higher. Therefore, the combination of vaccination, regular exams, and access to the healthcare system remains the most effective way to reduce preventable deaths.
The Australian experience shows that, with strategy, continuity, and well-executed public policies, it is possible to change the course of a disease that still impacts thousands of families. Brazil, by advancing in the same direction, signals clearly that it can also achieve similar results in the coming years.
If prevention and early diagnosis are already showing such clear results, what else is needed for Brazil to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue?
Source: Only Good News
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