The socioeconomic burden of cervical cancer and its implications for strategies required to achieve the WHO elimination targets

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable by vaccination and screening. Population-based vaccination and screening programs are effective and cost effective, but millions of people do not have access to these programs, causing immense suffering. The WHO Global Strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem calls for countries to meet ambitious vaccination, screening, and treatment targets.

Areas covered: Epidemiological evidence indicates marked socioeconomic gradients in the burden of cervical cancer and vaccination, screening, and treatment coverage. The unacceptable socioeconomic burden of cervical cancer is largely a function of inequitable access to these programs. We discuss these inequities, and highlight strategies enabled by new evidence and technology. Single dose HPV vaccination, HPV-based screening, and the rapidly moving technology landscape have enabled task-shifting, innovation in service delivery and the possibility of scale. Equitable access to optimal care for the treatment of invasive cancers remains a challenge.

Expert opinion: Cervical cancer can be eliminated equitably. It will require global political will, sustained public and private investment, and community leadership to safely and sustainably embed proven tools, technology and infrastructure in local health and knowledge systems.

Keywords: Cervical cancer; Inequity; cervical screening; disease elimination; health system; human papillomavirus vaccination; resource allocation; socioeconomic burden.