Denmark may be on track to eliminate cervical cancer within the next 15 years, according to a new report from the NGO, the Danish Cancer Society (Kræftens Bekæmpelse).
The report suggests that, based on current trends in vaccination and screening, the disease could reach elimination levels before 2040. Cervical cancer is considered eradicated by the World Health Organization (WHO) when fewer than four women per 100,000 are diagnosed annually. Denmark’s current rate is already below 10 per 100,000 women.
The key reason behind this decline is Denmark’s long-standing national HPV vaccination and screening programmes. The country introduced free HPV vaccines for girls in 2008 and for boys in 2019. About 89 per cent of 12-year-old girls and boys receive the first of two vaccine doses—just one per cent shy of the WHO’s recommended 90 per cent. The vaccination helps protect against the human papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer.
Denmark also offers free cervical screening for women, with about 60 per cent of those eligible participating. While this is slightly below the 70 per cent target, it contributes significantly to early detection and prevention.
The Danish Cancer Society stated that if the trends continue, the number of new cervical cancer cases could fall below the threshold for eradication well before 2040. If this happens, it would mark the first time any country has eliminated cancer.
Neighbouring Sweden, however, might reach the milestone even sooner. According to the Regional Cancer Centres in Sweden, it has set a goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2027.
