Australia remains on track to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2035 if vaccination and screening rates are maintained. But new data shows participation and follow-up delays continue to slow progress, particularly among younger and regional women.
According to Cancer Australia's 2025 update, an estimated 1,030 new cervical cancer cases and 243 deaths were recorded in 2024 – up from 177 the previous year.
The disease now accounts for 1.4% of all new female cancers and 1.1% of female cancer deaths, despite being one of the most preventable cancers in the world.
A key factor is screening: only 68% of eligible women aged 25-74 participated in screening over the last five years, with the lowest participation among women aged 25-34 and those living in remote areas. HPV vaccination coverage among adolescent girls has slipped to 81%, short of the 90% target needed by 2030.
Catch-up vaccination is encouraged through GPs and participating pharmacies.
"While there is ongoing progress toward eliminating cervical cancer, the responsibility should be shared by everyone," says gynaecologist Dr Trupti Kanade from Complete Health Australia, Oran Park, verified on Doctify, a healthcare review platform.
"We still see women delaying screening and waiting too long between an abnormal result and follow-up care. Self-collection is a practical way to reduce barriers. If attending a clinic is difficult, ask about self-collection – then follow through on any specialist care.
"Vaccination and screening work together. With coverage slipping below target, parents and young people alike need to act on catch-up doses. Prevention should feel easy and local."
Reaching under-screened women
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women remain significantly under-screened, with participation estimated to be around 20% lower than the national average . Delays between an abnormal result and colposcopy average about nine weeks – longer in regional areas.
Digital health platforms such as Doctify can help close that gap by connecting people in remote or underserved areas with trusted specialists and screening clinics. Australians can book a Cervical Screening Test or follow-up appointment through Doctify, their GP, or local health service – ensuring care and prevention remain within reach.
What to know
Most early cervical changes cause no symptoms, making regular screening essential. In more advanced stages, warning signs include abnormal bleeding, persistent pelvic pain or unusual discharge — all should be checked by a doctor.
Common myths
"I've had the HPV vaccine, so I don't need screening." – The vaccine protects against most, but not all, HPV types linked to cancer.
"Self-collection isn't as accurate." – Evidence shows self-collected samples are as reliable as clinician-collected ones when tested with modern HPV assays.
"Cervical cancer only affects older women." – About a quarter of Australian cases occur in women under 40, highlighting the need for early participation.
"Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers among women," says Dr Kanade.
"We have the tools – vaccination, screening and timely treatment – to make elimination a reality. What we need now is for everyone with a cervix to feel informed and supported to take that step."
Australians can book cervical screening through Doctify, their GP or local clinic, or opt for self-collection. Those who missed the HPV vaccine at school can still access it free through GPs and pharmacies.
