Denmark reevaluates cervical cancer screening program amid HPV vaccination success

Denmark has a strong commitment to combating cancer, so much so that it can sometimes be challenging to allocate healthcare funds to other serious illnesses. Health economist Jakob Kjellberg from VIVE, the National Research and Knowledge Centre for Welfare, suggests that it may be time to reevaluate or even eliminate the cervical cancer screening program.

Kjellberg argues that screenings could be unnecessary for vaccinated individuals, particularly women who have received the cervical cancer vaccine over the past 15 years. This vaccinated group reportedly faces a significantly lower risk of the disease compared to earlier generations, as the vaccine prevents around 90% of cervical cancer cases.

The HPV vaccine, offered through Denmark’s childhood vaccination program, protects against seven types of HPV, which are responsible for nearly 90% of cervical cancer cases. While the vaccine substantially reduces the risk of cancer, regular cell screenings continue to play a crucial role in risk reduction.

Kjellberg acknowledges that there are disadvantages to cervical cancer screening, including anxiety and false diagnoses, as well as the resource allocation that could be directed elsewhere in the healthcare system. He emphasizes the need to balance patient welfare and societal costs, noting that while screening programs come with high expenses, their value decreases due to vaccination.

Janne Villemoes Bigaard from the cancer advocacy organization emphasizes that safeguards for unvaccinated women highlight the importance of maintaining both screening and vaccination efforts. Despite economic considerations, she argues for the necessity of a combined approach to effectively combat cervical cancer. The HPV vaccination program has expanded to include boys since 2019, aiming to protect all against this preventable disease.