Cervical cancer, ranking as the fourth most prevalent malignancy affecting women worldwide, has taken center stage in a report released by BGI Genomics Global. The report, which delves into the current state of awareness surrounding cervical cancer, sheds light on a concerning reality – approximately 604,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year, contributing to a staggering 342,000 fatalities globally.
Intriguingly, the report underscores the pronounced global disparities in cervical cancer’s impact. It’s revealed that nearly 90% of the tragic fatalities reported in 2020 occurred in low- and middle-income countries, grappling with impediments in vaccination, screening, and treatment services.
Emanating from the World Health Assembly’s resolution in August 2020, the Global Strategy for the eradication of cervical cancer marked a pivotal milestone. The aspiration set forth in this strategy, aiming for full realization by 2030, is encapsulated by the WHO’s overarching objectives termed as the “90-70-90” targets: achieving a 90% HPV vaccination completion rate for girls by the age of 15, screening 70% of women aged 35 to 45, and extending treatment to 90% of women diagnosed with cervical afflictions.
In alignment with these visionary goals, BGI Genomics has introduced an extensive global report, impeccably designed to delve into the realm of cervical cancer awareness.
The report, meticulously curated, seeks to assess the spectrum of knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination. By delving into these critical domains, the survey aspires to illuminate the barriers and opportunities that accompany the pursuit of effective cervical cancer prevention.
The purview of this extensive survey casts a wide net, encompassing 1,878 women hailing from diverse geographical locations such as Brazil, the Chinese mainland, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Thailand, and Uruguay. The outcomes of this comprehensive endeavor reverberate with a resounding call to action – the imperative to dismantle barriers, elevate awareness, and facilitate equitable access to both screening and vaccination services.
The symbiotic relationship between awareness and action becomes evident in the findings. Globally, a substantial 40.0% of women were oblivious to the fact that HPV accounts for over 95% of cervical cancer cases. Intriguingly, this lack of awareness correlated with a striking 39.1% of these women refraining from undergoing crucial cervical cancer screenings, eclipsing the global average of 31.2%.
Further insights gleaned from the report illuminate the intersection of choice and accessibility. Among women under the age of 25, the prevalence of HPV stood notably high at 22%. However, within the subset of women aged 21 to 25, a significant 43.5% expressed reservations arising from the prospect of a male doctor administering a pap smear. This revelation underscores the pressing need to proffer alternatives, especially HPV DNA tests, alongside traditional pap smear screenings, particularly for younger women.
Moreover, the report underscores a virtuous cycle wherein vaccination and screening are mutually reinforcing. An impressive 82.1% of vaccinated women underwent cervical cancer screening, in contrast to 60.6% of their unvaccinated counterparts. Astonishingly, 45.8% of surveyed women received the HPV vaccination, juxtaposed with 22.1% of those who had not undergone screening. Disseminating information to bridge the gap for individuals who missed national vaccination initiatives, thereby guiding them to vaccination and screening resources, stands as a pivotal strategy.
In a landscape where knowledge and action intertwine to mold the trajectory of cervical cancer prevention, BGI Genomics’ comprehensive report strides forward as a beacon of insight and empowerment, charting the course toward safeguarding women’s health on a global scale.
