Today is dedicated to a goal that, until recently, seemed almost impossible: the complete elimination of cervical cancer.
This is the only cancer that can be almost entirely prevented, thanks to HPV vaccination and regular screening.
This day was internationally established following the World Health Organization’s initiative in 2020 and was officially recognized in 2025 by the World Health Assembly as the “World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day.” It reminds us that awareness and access to healthcare save lives—and that no woman should be lost to a cancer that can be prevented.
Key Statistics
Cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. Every year, hundreds of thousands of new cases are diagnosed, and according to the latest WHO data, approximately 660,000 new cases and nearly 350,000 deaths were recorded in 2022.
In Europe, there has been a steady decline thanks to screening and vaccination programs, but inequalities between countries persist. Despite significant international progress, disparities remain: in many regions, access to HPV vaccination is not universal, and organized population screening programs do not exist. This means that many women do not have the same opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment, leading to much higher mortality in lower-income countries.
Situation in Greece
In Greece, according to ICO/IARC data, about 697 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, while approximately 282 die from the disease. Significant progress has been made, with the inclusion of the HPV vaccine in the National Vaccination Program and the development of organized screening actions. Still, awareness remains the key tool to increase women’s participation in Pap and HPV tests.
In this context, it is worth remembering the Greek doctor Georgios Papanikolaou, the scientist who gave his name to the Pap test and paved the way for the worldwide reduction in cervical cancer mortality. His contribution is one of the most significant in the history of preventive medicine.
What We Can Do
In Kapa3, we firmly believe, that today is not just a reminder. It is a call for all of us to take a step: to talk to the women around us. To break the silence, the fear, and the stigma. Let’s celebrate Cervical Cancer Elimination Day by speaking with friends, daughters, mothers, sisters—by reaching out to the women in our lives and promoting prevention.
Through awareness, prevention, and equitable access to healthcare services, cervical cancer can truly become a thing of the past. Every step in this direction is a victory for all.
Read more in our previous articles:
Sources:
- WHO – Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy & Facts Here and Here
- ICO/IARC – Greece: HPV & Cervical Cancer Statistics
- Iatropedia – Ελληνική HPV Εταιρεία: Ο καρκίνος τραχήλου της μήτρας μπορεί να εξαλειφθεί έως το 2047
Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3