Cervical Cancer Screening: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the developing world. New technologies have been developed to allow for more rapid, cost-effective, and sensitive cervical cancer screening and treatment.

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe methods for detection and treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical dysplasia (CD), and cervical cancer. New technologies and updated screening strategies will be emphasized.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed to identify publications relevant to the subject.

Main outcome measure: Sensitivity and cost-effectiveness of new cervical cancer screening methods were the main outcome measures.

Results: HPV and cervical cancer have a significant global impact. Research and innovations related to detection and treatment are key in reducing their burden worldwide.

Conclusion: Screening a woman for HPV and CD can dramatically decrease her risk of dying from cervical cancer. New, rapid, low-cost, HPV testing can allow for high-volume screening for the approximately 1.5 billion women who have never been screened. HPV screening can then be combined with high resolution digital colposcopy to detect CD. In the near future, these colposcopic images will be interpreted by artificial intelligence software. Detected lesions can then be treated easily and effectively with thermocoagulation. This see-and-treat model is a sensitive, efficient, and low-cost vision for the future. Bedell SL, Goldstein LS, Goldstein AR, et al. Cervical Cancer Screening: Past, Present, and Future. Sex Med Rev 2020;8:28-37.

Keywords: Cervical Cancer; Cervical Dysplasia; Colposcopy; Human Papillomavirus (HPV); Thermocoagulation.