A cervical cancer vaccination could help eliminate the health problem worldwide within the next century. This is the result of two studies by an international scientific consortium. This took place under the direction of Professor Marc Brisson from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Laval and together with the Research Center of the CHU de Québec-University of Laval. When it comes to North America, researchers are even more optimistic, saying the disease could be almost completely eradicated by 2040.
Cervical cancer vaccination as a countermeasure
The study used the goals defined in the World Health Organization's strategy development to eliminate cervical cancer for a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and cervical screening. The plan calls for 90% of girls by 2030vaccinated against HPVbecome. Doctors also plan for 70% of women to be screened for cervical cancer once or twice in their lives. 90% of women with precancerous conditions will receive appropriate treatment.
Above all, the researchers' analyzes show that cervical cancer vaccination alone reduces cases in the countries worst affected by the disease by 89% within a century and 60 million cases of cancer are prevented. The addition of the two proficiency tests and treatment of precancerous lesions will reduce cervical cancer cases by 97% and 72 million of them will be averted over the next century. In addition, by expanding appropriate cancer therapy, medicine can avert 62 million deaths from cervical cancer.
Medical perspectives
“For the first time, we estimated how many cases of cervical cancer we could avert. If WHO implements this strategy and if elimination could occur,” says Marc Brisson. The high vaccination rate and uptake of early detection and treatment are particularly necessary in countries with the highest disease burden. “
The researchers have used the results to support the development of the WHO strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. This is presented for adoption at the meeting in May 2020. So, if the WHO adopts and applies the strategy, member states could soon eliminate cervical cancer.
This can start with countries where income is high. Around the year 2040 and within the next century, the process will continue around the world. This would be a phenomenal victory for women’s health,” claims Professor Brissonin the study. “However, we can only achieve this with significant financial and political commitment to improve prevention and treatment. “
