Cervical cancer
Overview
Women’s cancers, including breast, cervical and ovarian cancer, lead to hundreds of thousands of premature deaths among women.
Cervical cancer is caused by sexually-acquired infection with Human papillomavirus (HPV). Most people are infected with HPV shortly after onset of sexual activity.
Vaccination against HPV in girls 9 to 13 years old combined with regular screening in women over age 30 for precancerous lesions followed by adequate treatment are key tools to prevent the 530 000 new cervical cancer cases diagnosed every year.
Countries should urgently consider the further introduction or expansion of HPV vaccination programmes , in the context of a comprehensive framework for cervical cancer prevention and control. The human papillomavirus vaccine by the population it targets should be a critical pillar of adolescent health programmes with increased health education and strategies to reach adolescents.
Key facts
Cervical cancer – the HPV infection is responsible for an estimated 530 000 cases of cervical cancer and 264 000 cervical cancer deaths each year; more than 85% of these deaths are in low and middle-income countries.
Vaccinating against HPV can dramatically reduce cervical cancers caused by the virus.
