In an era marked by medical breakthroughs, the 'Advancing Cervical CancEr ScreeningS' (ACCESS) International Consensus Group on Cervical Cancer is advocating for the elimination of cervical cancer in Europe.

The group emphasizes the historic opportunity to eradicate this disease and calls for immediate political action to ensure this milestone is not lost.

Cervical cancer is a significant global health concern, with approximately 33,000 cases and 15,000 deaths annually in the EU alone. While HPV vaccination is a highly effective prevention intervention, it will take years before the entire population is protected.

National screening programs for adults have successfully reduced cervical cancer rates by up to 80 percent since the 1980s, but there is a concerning decline in screening participation in some high-income countries.

The ACCESS consensus group, comprising multidisciplinary experts, stresses the urgency of political commitment to achieve cervical cancer elimination. Dr. Mairead O’Connor, a member of the group, emphasizes the need to support healthcare professionals through training and education to address barriers to screening, especially in disadvantaged communities.

Prof. Philippe Descamps, co-chair of the ACCESS International Consensus Group, urges governments and health authorities to lead the charge and focus on initiatives reaching under-screened groups of women. The group has presented a White Paper titled 'Turning The Tide: Recommendations To Increase Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Who Are Under-Screened,' offering evidence-based policy recommendations.

The ACCESS consensus group calls on national authorities to develop comprehensive action plans for cervical cancer elimination, exceeding WHO targets and aligning with broader healthcare and women’s health strategies. Raising awareness among under-screened populations, considering technologies like self-sampling, and enhancing screening accessibility are crucial components of the plan.

While self-sampling is seen as promising, the group advises caution, emphasizing it as an option for under-screened women only, with clinician-sampling remaining the preferred choice for regular attendees. The White Paper was presented at a European Parliament event on Jan. 25, 2024, during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

Esra Urkmez from ENGAGe highlights the importance of collaboration between healthcare professionals, patient advocates, policymakers, and community organizations to develop effective strategies for cervical cancer screening awareness.

The ACCESS consensus group believes that through Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the revision of European Guidelines and Quality Assurance for cervical cancer, the European Union can play a pivotal role in the elimination effort. The group calls on policymakers to seize this historic opportunity, ensuring that no woman is left behind in the journey towards cervical cancer elimination.