Viral protection: a four step plan for eliminating HPV-caused cancers in Europe.

Now is the time for ambition. Now is the time for inspiration. Now is the time for decisive action to create an HPV-cancer-free future for men and women across Europe. This report has been written with the input and endorsement of a wide range of organisations and individual experts with an interest in cancer and HPV. It is a multi-disciplinary and inter-professional initiative that constitutes a public appeal to decision-makers across Europe to seize the moment. The new World Health Organization (WHO) strategy for the global elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem, together with the forthcoming Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the EU Cancer Mission and the EU4Health Programme, create a unique opportunity for Europe to be an international regional leader in replicating what has already been achieved for another once-endemic virus, smallpox – the elimination of all the cancers and diseases caused by HPV. This goal is achievable through evidence-based steps in four key areas: vaccination, screening, treatment, and public awareness