Accelerating Progress Towards the EU’s goal of Eliminating HPV Cancers
15 July 2025, Brussels - Europe can achieve its goal of eliminating cancers caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) by delivering 3 key policies, among others: universal HPV vaccination; reliable data systems to track vaccine uptake and drive policy impact; and greater access to HPV and cervical cancer and HPV screening.
HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus in women and men. It is responsible for an estimated 100,000 cancer cases in men and women per year in Europe. Europe’s ambitious Beating Cancer Plan is focused on halting the spread of HPV and the six cancers it causes: cervical, vaginal, anal, vulval, penile, and head and neck.
After today’s high-level event at the European Parliament: Accelerating Progress Towards the EU’s Goal of Eliminating HPV Cancers, organised by the European Cancer Organisation (ECO) and hosted by MEP Tilly Metz, ECO is sharing 6 key recommendations towards this goal:
1. Strengthen universal access to HPV vaccination across all genders
HPV vaccination should be accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, income or geography. This means promoting catch-up vaccination programmes, reaching out to underserved communities, and enshrining gender-neutral approaches in national immunisation schedules.
2. Scale up cervical cancer and HPV screening with a focus on self-sampling and innovation
Cervical screening must evolve with a broader use of HPV testing and self-sampling technologies, and greater EU-level coordination. These tools are proven to reduce cervical cancer incidence, but only if uptake is high and consistent.
3. Invest in strong data systems and vaccine monitoring
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) highlights the importance of better vaccine data to track progress and guide policy. Strengthening surveillance and enabling data sharing across Member States is crucial to target efforts where they’re most needed.
4. Address inequalities in prevention and care across Europe
Persistent gaps in vaccination coverage, screening access and public awareness are highlighted, particularly in Southeast Europe. Commitments will be made to support regional collaboration, knowledge exchange and tailored strategies to address local needs.
5. Involve the public and patients in driving change
Public storytelling and lived experience has the power to counter stigma, inform policy, and motivate individuals to seek vaccination or screening. Their voices must be elevated.
6. Consider the economic burden of HPV-related diseases and the return on investment in prevention
HPV-related diseases exert a significant economic and societal burden through treatment costs, loss of productivity, and premature mortality. Comprehensive prevention strategies, including vaccination, cervical screening, early detection, and public education, offer a high return on investment by reducing disease incidence, improving health outcomes, and easing pressure on healthcare systems. Countries should integrate economic evaluations into policy planning to ensure that prevention is prioritised as a cost-effective, long-term public health investment.
