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The incidence of cervical cancer in the Australian population is shown in the graph from 1985–2015 - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 27 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 27
The incidence of cervical cancer in the Australian population is shown in the graph from 1985–2015. Public health campaigns commenced during this period to reduce th... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The incidence of cervical cancer in the Australian population is shown in the graph from 1985–2015 - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 27 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Evaluate the success of the National Screening Program (1991)
Answer
The national screening program initiated in 1991 led to a significant drop in the incidence of cervical cancer, which decreased to around half of what it was previously. This indicates that the program was effective in reducing disease incidence. However, it is essential to note that prior to 1991, there was a trend of decreasing incidence, suggesting other factors might have contributed to the overall decline as well.
Step 2
Evaluate the success of the HPV Vaccination Program (2007 and 2013)
Answer
The introduction of the HPV vaccination programs for girls in 2007 and boys in 2013 has the potential to further reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. Given that HPV causes most cervical cancers, vaccinating against it could significantly decrease the viral load in the population. However, the graph indicates that there wasn't a drastic dip in the incidence of cancer immediately following these programs, suggesting a longer-term assessment is needed to ascertain their effectiveness.
Step 3
Conclusion on overall effectiveness of campaigns
Answer
In conclusion, while both the national screening program and the HPV vaccination initiatives represent effective public health measures, the data indicate that the reduction in cervical cancer rates may require sustained efforts over time to achieve optimal results. The continuous evaluation will help in understanding the long-term impact of these health campaigns on cervical cancer incidence.