No women aged under 25 were diagnosed with cervical cancer in Australia in 2021, according to a new report.
It is the first time this has happened since records began.
The report was prepared by researchers at the Centre of Research Excellence in Cervical Cancer Control (C4) with Government funding.
Researchers said this was “almost certainly due” to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations.
Here’s what to know.
Cancer
Cervical cancer is a disease where cells begin to grow abnormally in the cervix, the entrance to the uterus. Almost all cervical cancers are linked to HPV.
In Australia, HPV vaccines are offered for free to people aged nine to 25.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is the fourth most common cancer among women globally.
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In 2022, 350,000 women died from the disease, almost all in low- and middle-income countries with less access to health services.
Report
In 2021, Australia’s national cervical cancer rate decreased to 6.3 cases per 100,000 women, compared to 6.6 the previous year.
The report also showed survival rates are improving, with the five-year survival rate increasing from 73.9% between 2012–2016 to 76.8% between 2017-2021.
However, First Nations women’s overall five-year survival rate is 64.3%.
While the report’s authors said the declining incidence rates were a “remarkable achievement,” they called for continued monitoring to confirm it is “the beginning of a downward trend”.
Researchers warned that declining HPV vaccination and cervical screening rates “demand urgent attention”.
They recommended prioritising increasing vaccination rates, boosting public health awareness campaigns, and addressing financial and access barriers to health services.
