Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention

Abstract

Cervical cancer remains a major health challenge globally and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in many developing countries. This chapter discusses the causative factor, persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus, and the pathway to invasive cancer. It also explores the role of organised screening linked to treatment of precancerous lesions on the cervix in reducing the prevalence of cervical cancer in many developed countries. It recognises the role that vaccination against high-risk human papillomavirus can play to reduce the prevalence of cervical cancer globally. Invasive cervical cancer is best managed in a multidisciplinary setting with gynaecological oncologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, and other healthcare workers. Early disease can be treated successfully with surgery, while radiation therapy is an acceptable alternative for all stages of the disease. The manpower and resources needed for the treatment of invasive cervical cancer are expensive and difficult for many developing countries to successfully deploy. This chapter recommends that governments in developing countries need to develop the political will to confront cervical cancer and increase their investments in screening and vaccination against high-risk human papillomavirus to successfully control cervical cancer.