04/12/2025
In Australia, a historic breakthrough for women’s health is unfolding in real time 👏
Australia is on track to become the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035. A new report from the Centre for Research Excellence in Cervical Cancer Control shows the country is moving steadily toward that goal.
Cervical cancer rates continue to decline, and 2021 recorded fewer cases than the year before. Even more encouraging, for the first time since national records began, no women under 25 were diagnosed. Survival rates are also improving, offering another signal of meaningful progress.
The report does highlight areas that need attention. HPV vaccination and screening participation have dipped slightly, although more women are now choosing the self-collect screening option, which is helping reach people who have never or rarely screened.
Public health initiatives are making an impact. The government’s “Own It” campaign increased awareness of self-collection by 45 percent in under-screened communities, and $59 million in new funding is helping expand access and improve equity nationwide.
As Assistant Minister Rebecca White said, “Australia is leading the world in cervical cancer elimination, but we must maintain momentum to make this goal a reality.”