Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 1: High-income countries are on track to eliminate cervical cancer — a largely preventable disease — by 2048, while low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) may see only limited progress over the next century, according to a study published in The Lancet.
Researchers, including those from the CHU de Quebec-Université Laval Research Center in Canada, warned that this disparity could significantly widen global health inequalities, with women in LMICs continuing to face much higher rates of the disease.
Cervical cancer is primarily caused by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, which account for nearly 99 per cent of cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The disease is largely preventable through vaccination and regular screening.
The WHO has set a global elimination target of fewer than four cases per one lakh women and outlined the “90-70-90” goals to be achieved by 2030 — 90 per cent HPV vaccination coverage among girls by age 15, 70 per cent screening of women by ages 35 and 45, and 90 per cent treatment for those diagnosed with pre-cancer or cancer.
The study noted that achieving these targets could prevent up to 37 million cervical cancer cases over the next century. However, current projections indicate that many LMICs may fall short without substantial investment and stronger public health initiatives.
Under a “status quo” scenario, cervical cancer incidence in LMICs is expected to decline by only 23 per cent, while high-income countries move toward elimination within the next two decades, further widening the gap.
Experts said scaling up vaccination coverage — particularly reaching 90 per cent among girls — could significantly reduce inequalities and help several LMICs move closer to elimination, though sub-Saharan Africa may still face challenges.
The researchers also highlighted recent advancements such as low-cost and single-dose vaccines, expanded screening programmes, and inclusive vaccination strategies covering multiple age groups and boys as key to accelerating progress.
They stressed that coordinated global efforts involving governments and international agencies will be essential to make cervical cancer elimination achievable worldwide.