Denmark is on track to potentially eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, driven by its aggressive HPV vaccination and screening programs, according to the Danish Cancer Society.
In a statement released Monday, the organization said, “Even before 2040, so few women may have the disease that it may be considered eradicated.” If successful, it would mark the first time in history that a form of cancer has been effectively eliminated.
Cervical cancer cases in Denmark have already dropped to fewer than 10 per 100,000 women. The World Health Organization defines elimination as having fewer than four cases per 100,000 women annually.
Currently, 89 percent of 12-year-old girls and boys in Denmark have received the first dose of the HPV vaccine, just shy of the 90 percent target. The vaccine has been offered to girls since 2008 and to boys since 2019. Meanwhile, 60 percent of women undergo free cervical cancer screenings, slightly below the 70 percent goal.
Still, Denmark may face stiff competition from neighboring Sweden, which is aiming to reach elimination status by 2027.
