Cervical cancer and HPV vaccines in developing countries

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the world. Despite a decline of up to 70% in its incidence and prevalence through screening programs, it is still the most common gynecological cancer worldwide. Since the human papilloma virus (HPV) was conclusively identified as the etiological factor inducing cervical cancer, investigations during the last two decades have been concentrating on producing a vaccine against HPV virus. Thus prevention of HPV infection has been the main purpose and vaccination is expected to reduce up to 70% of related cervical cancer and prevent precancerous and cancerous lesions of the genitalia. However, screening programs are still essential for those who have already been exposed to the high risk forms of the virus and educational and information programs continue to play important roles to increase the success rate of screening, by whichever of the modalities is most appropriate for the local conditions.