This progress is being driven by one powerful tool, the HPV vaccine, and a nationwide school based program that has reshaped public health in just over a decade.
Before the vaccine was introduced in 2007, up to ninety percent of Australians were infected with human papillomavirus at some point in their lives. HPV is responsible for almost every case of cervical cancer, as well as several other cancers affecting both men and women.
Today that picture looks completely different. Thanks to the free school vaccination program, HPV infections have dropped by ninety two percent and early warning signs of cervical cancer have fallen dramatically as well.
Even the Covid pandemic could not slow the momentum. According to Professor Marion Saville from the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer, vaccination coverage remained stable and slowly rising through the first lockdowns.
Vaccine hesitancy has always existed but it has not stopped progress. Professor Karen Canfell from the Daffodil Centre says the program has continued to grow despite misinformation and public debate.
However recent investigations revealed that some highly religious schools may have discouraged students from being vaccinated. A Four Corners report alleged that Tangara School for Girls warned parents the vaccine could encourage promiscuity, a claim rejected by medical experts. Former students said hardly anyone in their classes received the vaccine. The school later said it now follows standard medical advice.
Health experts say it is not too late for those who missed out. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee has recommended expanding free HPV vaccination to men and women up to the age of twenty five. The health minister is now reviewing this proposal along with a plan to reduce the vaccine from two doses to one.
Professor Canfell called the changes a huge opportunity. She said Australia has led the world in HPV prevention through vaccination screening and modern testing methods.
The changes could also help close health gaps. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have achieved strong first dose coverage but completion of the second dose has been more difficult. A single dose program could help improve equity.
While people over twenty five can still be vaccinated, doctors say protection drops with age because most people have already been exposed to HPV. For older adults regular cervical screening becomes the most powerful tool for prevention.
The goal is not just elimination but equitable elimination. Cervical cancer will be considered eliminated when cases fall to fewer than four in one hundred thousand people.
Experts say Australia has the tools to stop a cancer before it starts. Now the focus is making sure everyone has access to them.
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