The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes almost 100,000 cancers every year in Europe, including cervical, anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile and oropharyngeal cancers. Universal vaccination across the EU could prevent most cases, especially when combined with effective screening efforts, a goal that sits at the heart of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan.
The problem: coverage across Europe remains uneven, shaped by differences in policy, delivery systems, and public confidence. Some countries have achieved 90% vacination rates; many others still fall short.
To help close these gaps, the European Cancer Organisation (ECO) has developed the 'Good Practice Guide on HPV Vaccination', offering concise, tangible, evidence-based principles to make high vaccination coverage a reality across countries. It is a practical resource for policymakers, programme managers, and patient organisations, whether working to strengthen existing programmes or to address persistent coverage gaps.
Eliminating HPV-related cancers is possible. What we need now is consistent, sustained action.
