HPV and Cervical Cancer Resources

Cervical cancer develops in a woman’s cervix, which is located at the end of the uterus where it meets the vagina. It is a cancer that can be prevented. Effective primary prevention (vaccination against HPV, or human papillomavirus, the cause of most cervical cancers) and secondary prevention (screening for and treating precancerous lesions) protect against most cervical cancer cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has targeted cervical cancer as the first cancer to be eliminated. 

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths recorded in 2022. However, incidence and deaths vary across regions and countries, e.g. the African continent has 8 times higher mortality rates compared to North America. In 25 countries, cervical cancer is now the most common cancer affecting women and in 58 countries it is the second most common. 94% of cervical cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where women have less access to prevention and treatment. 

Cervical cancer is preventable and with a comprehensive strategy based on three pillars — vaccination, screening, and treatment – it can be eliminated. 95% of cervical cancer cases are caused by persistent untreated HPV infection in the cervix. Several highly effective vaccines are available which can prevent HPV infection and cervical cancer. In addition, screening can help detect precancerous lesions which can be easily removed and treated.

According to WHO’s latest guidance in December 2022, there are six licensed HPV vaccines: three bivalent (two HPV strains), two quadrivalent (four HPV strains), and one nonavalent (nine HPV strains) vaccine. While visual inspection (VIA) and cytology-based screening methods exist, WHO has recommended DNA testing as the first choice to detect high-risk HPV genotypes. As of June 2023, WHO has pre-qualified 4 HPV DNA tests for use in countries.

The primary target population for HPV vaccines are girls aged 9 – 14 years. The HPV vaccine is most effective in preventing HPV infection before sexual debut.

The World Health Organization updated its HPV vaccination recommendations in December 2022, saying one dose of HPV vaccine is as effective as the previously-recommended two doses for girls and women ages 9-20. Two doses are still recommended for women over age 21, and three doses for women living with HIV. 

There are several methods of screening for cervical cancer including conventional cytology, liquid-based cytology, visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), and HPV nucleic acid (DNA/RNA) testing. HPV DNA testing has been shown to have higher reduction in cervical cancer compared to other screening methods.

WHO is considered a reliable source of information relating to technical guidance and data on cervical cancer.

WHO maintains a dashboard of country-reported information relating to technical guidance and data on cervical cancer.