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How to Support Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

23rd January 2025

By Samantha Weetman, Science Writer

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, held annually in January, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about cervical cancer, and the importance of prevention. This week is not only a chance for individuals to learn more about cervical cancer prevention but also a call for collective action from communities, healthcare providers, and organisations. With scientific advancements and increased societal support, we have the tools to make a difference.

This blog explores some of the advances in treatment and diagnostics, research, and technologies shaping cervical cancer prevention, and highlights actionable steps to support this critical campaign.

Why Does Cervical Cancer Awareness Matter?

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it remains a significant global health issue. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports around 660,000 new cases annually, with over 300,000 deaths. Disparities in healthcare access mean that over 84% of new cases [1] and about 94% of cervical cancer deaths in 2022, occurred in low- and middle-income countries [2].

Persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 95% of cervical cancer cases. Vaccination programs, routine screenings, and advancements in technology have significantly reduced the disease burden in regions with robust healthcare infrastructure. However, barriers to access continue to hinder progress globally.

Recent data underscores the impact of these efforts: countries like Australia are on track to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2035 through widespread HPV vaccination and screening initiatives [3], [4].

Advancements in Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment

1 Single-Dose HPV Vaccination

Recent studies by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) show that a single dose of the HPV vaccine offers strong and long-lasting protection against the virus [5]. This breakthrough simplifies vaccination logistics, particularly in low-resource settings where participation in multi-dose programs has been hindered [6]. It has the potential to increase global vaccination coverage dramatically.

2 Cutting-Edge Screening Technologies

New technologies are improving the accessibility and accuracy of cervical cancer screening. The FDA’s 2024 approval of HPV self-collection tests allows individuals to collect samples privately in healthcare settings, breaking down barriers like stigma and discomfort and encouraging more people to partake in screening.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has also emerged as a powerful diagnostic tool [4]. A recent meta-analysis published in The Lancet highlighted AI’s high sensitivity and specificity in identifying early-stage cervical cancer, making it an invaluable resource for resource-constrained areas [7].

3 Improved Treatment Protocols

A recent phase 3 trial published in The Lancet found that combining an induction course of chemotherapy followed by the standard chemoradiotherapy for patients with advanced cervical cancer can reduce the hazard risk of death by up to 40% [8]. These advancements emphasise the importance of ongoing innovation in cervical cancer treatment.

How Can You Take Action?

During Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, everyone can contribute to raising awareness and supporting prevention efforts. Here are five impactful ways to get involved:

1 Promote HPV Vaccination

HPV vaccines are among the most effective cancer prevention tools available. Governments and healthcare providers worldwide offer free or low-cost vaccination programs for eligible individuals. Use this week to advocate for greater participation and to dispel myths about HPV vaccines.

2 Encourage Routine Screenings

Cervical screenings, including Pap smears and HPV tests, are crucial for early detection. Despite their importance, participation rates remain low. Share information about screening availability and benefits. In the UK, the NHS Cervical Screening Program provides free tests for women aged 25–64.

3 Share Reliable Information

Raise awareness by sharing educational content on social media using the hashtag #CervicalCancerPrevent. Accurate information empowers individuals to prioritise their health and encourages open discussions about cervical cancer prevention.

4 Support Healthcare Access

Inequities in healthcare access disproportionately affect women in underserved regions. Support organisations working to close these gaps, such as the Eve Appeal, Macmillan Cancer Support and the WHO’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative.

5 Partner with Local Communities

Many local health organisations host workshops or events during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. Volunteering or attending these events helps amplify their efforts and spreads awareness in your community.

Driving Change Together

Cervical cancer is largely preventable, but collective action is needed to make a significant difference. As science and technology continue to evolve, the advancements in HPV diagnostics, AI-powered tools, and single-dose vaccine regimens are shaping a future where cervical cancer could become a thing of the past.

With the collective effort of individuals, healthcare systems, and governments, we are closer than ever to achieving the WHO’s goal of eliminating cervical cancer globally.

Take action this Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. Whether you book your screening, share educational content, or support a cancer awareness charity, every effort counts toward building a future free from cervical cancer.

At Alto Marketing, we believe in amplifying science for impact. Get in touch with us today for expert support in communicating your latest developments and innovations in healthcare research.

References

[1]        R. Hull1 et al., “Cervical cancer in low and middle-income countries,” Oncol Lett, vol. 20, no. 3, p. 2058, Sep. 2020, doi: 10.3892/OL.2020.11754.

[2]        “Cervical cancer.” Accessed: Jan. 21, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer

[3]        “National Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Australia | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.” Accessed: Jan. 21, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-strategy-for-the-elimination-of-cervical-cancer-in-australia?language=en

[4]        P. K. C. Sekar, S. M. Thomas, and R. Veerabathiran, “The future of cervical cancer prevention: advances in research and technology,” Open Exploration 2019 5:3, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 384–400, May 2024, doi: 10.37349/EMED.2024.00226.

[5]        S. G. Malvi et al., “A prospective cohort study comparing efficacy of 1 dose of quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine to 2 and 3 doses at an average follow up of 12 years postvaccination,” JNCI Monographs, vol. 2024, no. 67, pp. 317–328, Nov. 2024, doi: 10.1093/JNCIMONOGRAPHS/LGAE042.

[6]        I. Man, D. Georges, P. Basu, and I. Baussano, “Leveraging single-dose human papillomavirus vaccination dose-efficiency to attain cervical cancer elimination in resource-constrained settings,” JNCI Monographs, vol. 2024, no. 67, pp. 400–409, Nov. 2024, doi: 10.1093/JNCIMONOGRAPHS/LGAE035.

[7]        L. Liu, J. Liu, Q. Su, Y. Chu, H. Xia, and R. Xu, “Performance of artificial intelligence for diagnosing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” EClinicalMedicine, vol. 80, Feb. 2025, doi: 10.1016/J.ECLINM.2024.102992/ASSET/C0164798-71C5-41C6-ACE0-4439DD98C862/MAIN.ASSETS/GR9.JPG.

[8]        M. McCormack et al., “Induction chemotherapy followed by standard chemoradiotherapy versus standard chemoradiotherapy alone in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (GCIG INTERLACE): an international, multicentre, randomised phase 3 trial.,” Lancet, vol. 404, no. 10462, pp. 1525–1535, Oct. 2024, doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01438-7.

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