Sweden aims to eradicate cervical cancer through increased HPV screening

Sweden is positioned to potentially become the first country to eradicate cervical cancer, driven by decades of research, HPV vaccinations, and established screening programs. To achieve the goal of eradication by 2027, 90 percent of women aged 23–70 must be tested for HPV by the end of 2026.

However, regional disparities in screening participation pose a challenge. In Region Sörmland, approximately 13,000 women still need to be tested for HPV, and 150 women have not received follow-up care after testing positive. While some Swedish regions have already met the necessary participation targets, others must intensify efforts to reach women who remain outside the screening system to prevent the long-term health consequences of the disease.