Cancer Council NSW Australia is on track to be the first country to eliminate cervical cancer by as early as 2028. Thanks to advances in cancer research and successful vaccination and screening programs, our children no longer need to fear cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by a common sexually transmitted infection called HPV (human papillomavirus). We’ve made significant progress Australia has been at the forefront of preventing cervical cancer for decades. Today, its cervical cancer rates are amongst the lowest in the world.