Defeating HPV: Prevention in Our Hands

In March, we attended the international Eurogin 2025 congress, held from March 16 to 19, 2025, at the Alfândega Congress Center in Porto, Portugal. This is one of the leading global congresses focused on HPV infections and related cancers, with a strong emphasis on prevention and diagnostics, bringing together experts from around the world – physicians, researchers, and industry representatives.

The congress program included numerous workshops and forums, such as artificial intelligence forum, forum on HPV and head and neck cancer, and a workshop on cervical cancer screening. In addition, new guidelines for anal cancer screening were presented.

The lectures provided insight into the latest recommendations, trends, and statistics shaping the future fight against HPV.

Speakers emphasized the exceptional effectiveness of HPV vaccination for both girls and boys, as HPV is associated with various forms of cancer beyond cervical cancer.

Unfortunately, global data remains alarming: by the age of 15, only 23% of girls and 7% of boys are vaccinated. A bright exception is Sweden, where vaccination coverage reaches 90%, and 80% of women participate in screening – the country’s goal is to eliminate HPV completely by 2039.

England also adopted an HPV elimination plan immediately after Eurogin – aiming for 2040. Their strategy includes enhanced vaccination, improved screening, and broader access to modern diagnostics.

Vaccination remains one of the most effective and accessible forms of protection against HPV – and a crucial step toward a cervical cancer-free generation.

Across Europe, countries are approaching HPV screening with careful consideration – each with unique experiences, strategies, and technologies. Most have established national screening programs covering women aged 23 to 65, with HPV DNA tests most commonly used as the primary screening method.

England has decided to expand its testing methods by incorporating mRNA tests, offering a different perspective on the presence and activity of the virus. Denmark, known for progressive healthcare policies, continues to use conventional cytology for women under 30, as it remains effective in this age group.

Some of the most interesting developments, however, are occurring in the area of self-sampling. The Netherlands and other Scandinavian countries strongly promote this option to reach women who face barriers to participating in traditional screening – whether due to distance, personal concerns, or other factors. Self-sampling is discreet, convenient, and accessible – and represents the future of screening.

A new approach is also emerging: anal self-sampling. This method is already gaining ground internationally, particularly among high-risk groups with increased susceptibility to HPV-related diseases.

Cervical cancer incidence across Europe varies significantly – and not by chance. Eastern Europe, particularly Romania, continues to report the highest rates – over 20 cases per 100,000 people. This is a concerning number, often linked to poorly designed or inaccessible vaccination programs and insufficiently implemented or systematic screening.

In contrast, some countries have achieved outstanding results through well-thought-out measures. These include Slovenia, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Finland – where cervical cancer incidence is below 5 cases per 100,000, placing them among the most successful in the fight against HPV.

What’s the key to their success? High vaccination coverage and well-organized screening programs.

Methylation tests were also at the heart of many professional discussions – often referred to as the next big step in HPV screening. While they may sound complex, their purpose is clear: to distinguish between infections that will resolve on their own and those that could lead to cancer.

Tests such as QIAsure allow for extremely early detection of changes, even before more serious lesions develop. Their accuracy is an impressive 99.8%, meaning they can reliably identify cases where action is needed. In addition, they are robust, universal, and – crucially – compatible with self-collected samples.

What truly sets them apart is their triage capability: they help clinicians determine which patients genuinely need further diagnostic procedures, reducing the number of unnecessary invasive interventions. In a time when we strive for both personalized and efficient healthcare, this represents a major step forward. Methylation tests are no longer just the future – they’re already here, ready to become a standard part of modern screening.

As a distributor of HPV swabs, our commitment is clear – we aim to enable access to reliable, comfortable, and professionally supported screening.