The HPV prevention and control program in Poland: progress and the way forward.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Oncology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Poland is assessing its strategies for preventing and managing human papillomavirus (HPV)-related diseases, including cervical cancer.
• The 2023 HPV Prevention and Control Board meeting highlighted progress and challenges in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review Poland's current activities in HPV prevention and control.
• To identify opportunities for strengthening cervical cancer control through improved vaccination, screening, and treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of information from the 2023 HPV Prevention and Control Board meeting.
• Analysis of national HPV vaccination program data and regional initiatives.
• Evaluation of secondary prevention (screening) and tertiary prevention (treatment) approaches.

Main Results:

• Poland's national HPV vaccination program launched in June 2023 with suboptimal initial coverage; regional programs show best practices.
• Transition to HPV-based cervical cancer screening is feasible due to existing infrastructure, with HPV testing superior to cytology.
• Tertiary prevention aligns with European guidelines, utilizing less invasive surgery and immunotherapy; HPV vaccination may reduce CIN2+ incidence post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• Poland demonstrates significant progress in HPV prevention and cervical cancer control through a coordinated approach.
• Continued innovation, quality control, and public engagement are crucial for improving HPV disease prevention and treatment outcomes.
• Addressing parental concerns and optimizing vaccine accessibility are key to increasing HPV vaccination rates.