Low vaccination against HPV, which is blamed for cervical cancer, is observed in Greece, while the official information is incomplete about the importance and multiple benefits of vaccination. The above was emphasized by Professor of Obstetrics -Gynecology AUTH and President of the Hellenic HPV Company, Theodore Buyerin a lecture on “The Road to Elimination of Cervical Cancer”, given at the 1st Oncology Conference of the Federation of Cancer Patients, which took place in Thessaloniki.

Mr Agorastos pointed out that, according to the World Health Organization’s strategy (WHO), cervical of the uterus can eliminated as a public health problemif the targets ’90-70-90′ are achieved by 2030, ie:

  • 90% of girls up to 15 years of age have been fully vaccinated against HPV.
  • 70% of women have been examined with HPV test at the ages of 35 and 45 years.
  • 90% of women with precancerous damage receiving early treatment.

At the same time noted that, according to new instructions control To prevent cervical cancer, which was notified by the WHO is recommended to perform HPV DNA Testing in women 30 years of age or older, every 5-10 years, and is suggested as a self-sampling method. He also said that the European Commission has adopted this strategy that, in the context of the “European Cancer Fight” plan and promotes HPV vaccination and HPV DNA test as the main actions.

“Over the last 7 years, most advanced countries have changed and have changed existing women’s screening programs, with the transition from the Pap smear to the new HPV DNA Test (from the age of 30 and every 5-10 years). In several countries, it is officially proposed to carry out a HPV DNA testing. In our country, vaccination against HPV has been included in the National Vaccination Program of Child and Adolescents, as well as in the National Adult Vaccination Program, as early as 2008. Indications and specifications for HPV-Embolization have since been updated several times. Today, free vaccination of both sexes at the age of 9-11 years is recommended, with free replenishment of vaccination up to the age of 18 (until 31.12.25). HPV-invalidity is provided in special high-risk groups by the age of 45 » Mr Buyer said.

Mr Agorastos reminded that the 2020 The National Prevention Program was established “Spyros Doxiadis“, Which includes preventive actionswhile in 2022 the action “Preventive Diagnostic Cervical Cancer Examinations” was introduced, which began in October 2024 by sending SMS to women 21-65 for free exams in public and private health units.

“Nevertheless, the situation in Greece has not been fully adapted to today to its recommendations that and the EU” Mr. Buyer said.

Specifically, he said that the HPV vaccine coverage is lowas, according to HIDA data from 2021only 43.85% of girls aged 11-14 has been vaccinatedwhile informing parents and adolescents about the benefits of vaccination is incomplete. He also noted that there was insufficient concern for the mandatory record of vaccinations in the vaccination register and the child’s e -booklet and added that no age extension has been expanded to replenish the vaccination, so as to include young adults, e.g. By the age of 25, as well as the clarification that there is an indication of HPV vaccination and adults, men and women, up to the age of 45 (without compensation).

In terms of screeninghe said that the National Control Program (EPC) for cervical cancer does not concern a comprehensive preventive screening program for women for that cancer. “This is just a public health action, which is based on limited funding by the recovery and durability fund and has a limited duration until 31.12.2025,” Mr Agorastos noted.

At the same time, he noted that “It is not followed by the EU’s recommendations for HPV DNA testing only in women over 30 years of age every 5-10 years, and in the instructions of the Ministry’s action, it is also proposed to have a PAP test control of women 21-29 years, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated against HPV, although the risk of cervical cancer is vaccinated, although the risk It turns out to be extremely low (0-0.05%) and no longer seem to be fulfilled by the criteria that is advocated to indicate an EPPA of these ages. “.

He also noted that in the action of the ministry it is not done No reference to the perspective of the self -serving self -sample sample (Self-sampling), despite the fact that the WHO, and the EU, propose this method as acceptable, especially for women living in remote areas.

Concerning the treatment of patients, Mr Agorastos pointed out that the development of modern public oncology centers is required to meet the needs of comprehensive treatment and relief for women with breast cancer throughout the territory.

In conclusion, Mr Agorastos said that “It is very positive for the whole effort the Greek state has taken in recent years with the initial aim of reducing the impact and mortality of cervical cancer in the female population of the country and the ultimate goal of eliminating it as soon as possible, following its instructions. The timely adoption and implementation of HPV vaccination, as well as the first time, of organizing a pre -syteractic control program for women to prevent cervical cancer, are the necessary measures taken to join the country in the global effort to eliminate this disease. To this end, of course, and always in coordination with its guidelines which and the EU, it is probable that these positive primary decisions are accompanied by additional arrangements, many of which can be resorted immediately, and others as soon as possible. “