Epidemiology of HPV-associated cancers past, present and future: towards prevention and elimination

In a new review article, researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and McGill University (Canada) provide an overview of the trends in the epidemiology and disease burden of cancers associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. They also examine the impact of past and current preventive measures on the incidence and mortality of these cancers. The article was published in Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology.

The researchers highlight the potential to eliminate HPV-associated cancers, focusing on critical cofactors such as parity, HIV infection, and the social determinants of health. The review emphasizes that the incidence and mortality of these cancers are closely linked to the socioeconomic status of women and to the Human Development Index of countries. Therefore, successful elimination requires a focus on health equity and a commitment to both primary and secondary prevention strategies.

The data and epidemiological trends presented in this article emphasize the absolute necessity of addressing the social determinants of health and of health equity in achieving cervical cancer elimination. Technological advances have provided tools for primary and secondary prevention of HPV-associated cancers. The more difficult task is to implement these tools across all segments of the population. Therefore, focusing on the reduction of social inequalities in the incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer in the short to medium term through the implementation and scaling up of vaccination, screening, and treatment is crucial for cervical cancer elimination.

Malagón T, Franco EL, Tejada R, Vaccarella S
Epidemiology of HPV-associated cancers past, present and future: towards prevention and elimination
Nat Rev Clin Oncol, Published online 17 May 2024;
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41571-024-00904-z

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