The World Health Organization (WHO) has called cervical cancer one of the ‘gravest threats to women’s lives’. It is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, causing over 340, 000 deaths in 2020. Over 85% of cases occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), with sub-Saharan Africa carrying the highest burden globally.
Cervical cancer is caused by specific sub-types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Nearly all sexually active women are infected with HPV during their lifetime but most clear the infection within 24 months. However, approximately 12% of infections persist and can progress to precancerous lesions or invasive cervical cancer over decades, if not detected and/or treated early. Evidence shows that cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable through vaccination and screening. This prompted the launch of the WHO’s Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in 2020. The strategy includes the following 90-70-90 target to be met by 2030:
90% of girls vaccinated for HPV by 15 years of age
70% of women screened by 35 years of age and again by 45 years of age
90% of women with identified cervical disease receive treatment
http://www.bcchildrens.ca/globalhealth/news-events-resources/news-stories/accelerating-elimination-of-cervical-cancer-during-cervical-cancer-awareness-month-2021
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