Prof Julia Brotherton in HPV World
Prof Julia Brotherton of the Evaluation and Implementation Science Unit (Centre for Health Policy) has provided a commentary to the latest edition of HPV World which features a summary of Australia’s data relating to the control of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the cause of cervical cancer, other cancers of the genital area and cancers of the upper throat. Whilst Australia is a trailblazer in relation to its world leading HPV vaccination and cervical screening programs, with projections that we may be one of the first countries in the world to achieve the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem (incidence of less than 4 cases per 100,000), there are some ongoing challenges. As described in Prof Brotherton’s commentary, key data and linkages to ensure that priority populations are being served by our cervical cancer control programs are currently lacking. Such data are critical for improving participation in screening and for addressing inequities in cancer incidence and mortality, such as the persistently higher incidence and mortality from cervical cancer experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.