Every two minutes, a woman dies from cervical cancer. Worldwide, cervical cancer cases have seen an alarming increase.
However, vaccination against the HPV virus, the main cause of cervical cancer, can prevent this disease.
Together with regular gynecological examinations for cervical cancer and appropriate treatment, HPV vaccines play an important role in the fight against this type of cancer.
More than 130 countries have already integrated HPV vaccines into their immunization programs, but this is not enough. Millions of women and girls, especially those living in underdeveloped countries, still lack access to vaccines, screening and effective treatment that could save their lives.
Here are five essential things you should know about HPV, vaccines and cervical cancer:
1. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer among women worldwide.
In 2022, approximately 350,000 women will die from this type of cancer, and around 660,000 new cases have occurred in the meantime. These preventable deaths and infections have
a tragic and long-lasting impact on children, families and communities.
Sub-Saharan Africa, Central America and Southeast Asia have the highest death rates from cervical cancer.
2. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV.
More than 95% of cervical cancer cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world.
There are over 200 types of HPV, and most have no symptoms. However, high-risk HPV types can lead to infections and increase the risk of pre-cancer, which is why prevention and screening are so important.
