As we know, more than 90% of individuals infected with HPV can clear the infection on their own. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) survey in 2020, there were up to 60,400 new cases of cervical cancer and 34,200 deaths from it. Moreover, many cases remain untreated, with 90% of new infections and deaths occurring in low-income countries. Notably, over 90% of infections are attributed to sexual intercourse.
It has also been found that individuals infected with HIV are up to 6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer than those without HIV.
Therefore, the World Health Organization aims to have fewer than 4 cases of cervical cancer per 100,000 population in all countries worldwide by the year 2030. To achieve this, they have laid out the 90-70-90 strategy:
- 90 = 90% of 15-year-old girls should receive the full HPV vaccination.
- 70 = 70% of women should undergo cervical cancer screening at ages 35 and 45.
- 90 = 90% of cervical cancer patients should receive treatment (90% of early-stage patients and 90% of advanced-stage patients).
In Thailand, there are up to 8,000 new cases of cervical cancer, equivalent to approximately 21 new cases per day or almost one new case every hour. Additionally, there are approximately 4,500 deaths from cervical cancer each year, and 10 people die every day due to delayed treatment. These deaths primarily occur among individuals aged 40 to 50, a critical age group for family care.
The most effective and cost-efficient way to prevent cervical cancer is through HPV vaccination and screening for HPV infection or abnormal cell development that could progress into cervical cancer. Currently, HPV testing can be easily performed with self-testing kits at home without the need to visit a healthcare provider, making it more convenient for preventing the development of cervical cancer.
Information sourced from the World Health Organization, Department of Health, and Cancer Institute.
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