Did you know that cervical cancer is on the brink of elimination in some parts of the world? Cervical screenings and the HPV vaccine are making it possible.

Australia is fast approaching cervical cancer elimination targets; cervical cancer screening programs have been very successful in preventing women from being diagnosed with the preventable disease. The introduction of the HPV vaccine for girls in 2007 has also played a signifiant role in reducing the number of cases recorded in the country.

However, 600,000 women continue to be diagnosed with cervical cancer each year and more than 300,000 women will die from the disease.

The challenge for Australia is to deliver the innovations they have implemented successfully to low and middle income countries; 9 out of every 10 women who loses her life to cervical cancer resides in a developing region.

Some women from these countries are reluctant to present for cervical screening out of embarrassment or because they believe the process is painful. It’s why so many women are diagnosed with cervical cancer at a late stage. It’s important to note that cervical cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancers if discovered early.

This short film will introduce you to women who are fighting cervical cancer as well as healthcare professionals and policy makers advocating for new cervical screening methods to be carried out where they are urgently needed.