Since the HPV vaccination program was introduced in 2007, cervical abnormalities among women younger than 25 have been dropping. This means that cervical cancer itself will become even more rare in women younger than 25.

Studies have shown that even young women who aren't vaccinated are at lower risk of infection than in the past. This is because widespread vaccination helps to prevent the spread of the virus throughout the population - this is called "herd immunity".

Australian women under 25 today were offered the HPV vaccination when they were younger than 15, and we know that the HPV vaccine is very effective when it is given at that age."

Dr Megan Smith
Program Manager, Cervix/HPV Group at Cancer Council NSW