Center for Cervical Cancer Elimination

Our division focuses on increasing the knowledge base for the design and evaluation of the most effective cervical cancer elimination strategies possible.

We conduct both basic and translational studies of the tumor virus Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV-based prevention (screening and vaccination), including an international reference laboratory function where we sequence, document, and store all new Papillomaviruses as well as design and evaluate prevention in Sweden with a national quality register for cervical cancer prevention.

Larger EU projects at the division

• Examination of risk-stratified (personal) cancer screening (RISCC).
• HEAP (Human Exposome Assessment Platform) where we are developing an AI-driven data platform to evaluate the impact of the internal and external exposome on health.

During the Corona pandemic, we mapped the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers and how vaccination against the virus protects against infection and the spread of infection.

Organisation

CCCE delivers evidence-based education on human papillomavirus (HPV), tumor biology, genomics and bioinformatics, screening, vaccination, and elimination strategies for students, clinicians, researchers, and public health professionals. Teaching integrates KI research with both national and global frameworks for cervical cancer elimination.

Our teaching is multidisciplinary, drawing on expertise from tumor biologists, epidemiologists, public health specialists, laboratory coordinators, database administrators, and IT developers. This ensures that learners gain perspectives from research, clinical practice, and implementation science, as well as from the technical systems that support large-scale screening and elimination efforts.

Educational material

Most of our resources are offered online and include:

• Recorded webinars on HPV and cervical cancer prevention, curated for on-demand viewing. Sessions are regularly updated and aligned with Sweden’s elimination pathway and the WHO global cervical cancer elimination initiative.
• Open e-learning modules on HPV biology, molecular diagnostics, and program implementation, hosted at the International HPV Reference Center’s e-learning library. Current content includes a structured course on HPV taxonomy, with further modules in development.
• HPV Laboratory e-Manual, developed by the Global Network of National HPV Reference Laboratories (16 national reference laboratories worldwide). This interactive manual provides updated methodologies, protocols, and best practices for HPV testing, quality assurance, serology, international standards, and data management. It serves as the global reference resource for laboratories supporting HPV vaccination and screening programmes.

Collaborations and invited teaching

CCCE contributes to national and international teaching and policy dialogues, including molecular biology, diagnostics, and prevention strategies for HPV-related cancer elimination. We collaborate with national experts and global partners to ensure that our teaching reflects the most up-to-date science, policy, and implementation practice.

New courses in development

We are developing new accredited courses, including:

• Human Papillomavirus Testing: Indications and Quality Assurance Systems
• HPV Prevention, Diagnostics, and Elimination

These initiatives strengthen competencies across laboratories, pathology units, and clinical services, with sustainable delivery through digital and AI-based learning formats.

Contact

Division’s Educational Lead: Associate Professor (Docent) Laila Sara Arroyo Mühr.
Leads the educational strategy at the Center, coordinating experts across the division and internationally.

For teaching requests, collaboration or partnerships, please get in touch.