Cervical Cancer: A Preventable Global Threat

Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most prevalent cancer among women globally, with approximately 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths reported in 2022. The burden is greatest in low- and middle-income countries where access to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, screening, and treatment remains limited due to financial, social, and systemic barriers.

Every life lost to cervical cancer is one too many—especially when we have the tools to stop it.

  Women living with HIV are six times the risk of cervical cancer due to persistent HPV infection.

  Through vaccination, screening, and timely treatment, most cases of cervical cancer can be avoided.

  HPV vaccines and early treatment of precancerous lesions are proven, cost-effective solutions.

Prevention Breakthrough: One Dose Is Enough

Recent research from a National Cancer Institute (NCI) clinical trial reports:

  • A single dose of the HPV vaccine is shown to be over 97% effective—just as protective as two doses.
  • This simpler schedule can reduce costs, ease logistical burdens, and make wider access possible, especially in low-resource areas.


This evidence provides a powerful opportunity to accelerate global vaccination and help reduce health disparities.

The 2030 Elimination Goal

The World Health Organization has set a bold target: eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030. Their 90-70-90 goals provide a clear path forward:

  • 90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15
  • 70% of women screened by age 35 and again by age 45
  • 90% of women with cervical disease receiving treatment
WHO Cervical Cancer Fact Sheet

Cervical Cancer Resources

Peer-Reviewed Articles:
HPV, Cytology, and Cotest Cervical Cancer Screening and the Risk of Precancer
The impact of HIV on cervical cancer elimination in KwaZulu-Natal: a comparative modeling analysis
Human papillomavirus, human immunodeficiency virus, and the shared road to cervical cancer elimination
Testing menstrual blood for human papillomavirus during cervical cancer screening in China: cross sectional population based study
Noninferiority of One HPV Vaccine Dose to Two Doses
Barriers and Facilitators of HPV Vaccination in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

Cervical Cancer Articles from The Oncologist

The following links provide additional information about cervical cancer:
New Cervical Cancer Screening Guideline Aims to Improve Accessibility
The American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Prevention and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer
HPV vaccine: Who needs it, how it works
Screening and treatment of precancerous lesions for secondary prevention of cervical cancer
Unitaid- Cervical Cancer
Modelling the projected elimination of cervical cancer in British Columbia, Canada

Organizations:
World Health Organization (WHO)
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Cancer Research UK
National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC)
American Cancer Society National Roundtable on Cervical Cancer (ACS NRTCC)
Foundation for Women’s Cancer
Cure Cervical Cancer.org
TogetHER for Health
Global Initiative Against
HPV and Cervical Cancer
The Cervical Cancer-Free Nigeria Campaign

Over 2,100 cervical cancer studies are currently registered globally on ClinicalTrials.gov. The links below highlight trials with updates from the past 14 days. For a comprehensive list of all registered cervical cancer studies, click here.

Expert insights from cervical cancer specialists

Addressing the Cervical Cancer Crisis: Insights, Education, and Innovation

STO honors the dedicated healthcare providers who make a meaningful impact on the lives of cervical cancer patients. Professors Anorlu, Adeyemi, and Abubakar share their insights on prevention strategies and the latest innovations in treatment and care.

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