The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a goal to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030, and to achieve this goal, the WHO recommends that 90% of girls should be vaccinated against HPV by age 15, also 70% of women must be screened for cervical cancer by the ages of 35 and 45, and 90% of women infected with cervical disease should receive treatment.
Research is ongoing to improve cervical cancer screening and treatment. For instance, studies show that self-collection of samples for HPV testing is as reliable as samples collected by healthcare practitioners.
Also, another study found that a new HPV vaccine called the nonvalent HPV vaccine provides protection against nine types of HPV, including those that are the leading cause of most cases of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is known as the fourth most common cancer in women globally, with approximately 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths in 2022.
The highest rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality are in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Bangladesh, etc., primarily due to limited access to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations, cervical screening, and treatment services.
Cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with the human papillomavirus. Even though there are over 100 types of HPV with at least 24 of them causing cancer, women living with HIV are more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to those without it. Other risk factors include smoking, having multiple sexual partners, and a weakened immune system.
Some symptoms may include unusual bleeding, a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, persistent back pains, legs, pelvis, and loss of weight. Despite that, most women may also not experience any symptoms until the disease has advanced.
Prevention of cervical cancer involves a combination of getting vaccinated, screenings, and treatment. The HPV vaccine is highly effective and recommended in preventing the HPV infection. It is advisable for women to undergo regular cervical screening to detect pre-cancerous lesions at the age of 30, and those living with HIV should start at the age of 25.
Treatment may depend on the stage of the disease. Early-stage cervical cancer can be treated through surgery, while advanced cervical cancer may require radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both.
To conclude, global efforts are underway to combat cervical cancer. For instance, the WHO has launched a global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem, such as increasing access to HPV vaccination, verbal screening, and treatment services, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Source: World Health Organization.
