Combatting Cervical Cancer

Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. Evidence continues to show us that cervical cancer is highly preventable through HPV vaccination, and screening and treatment. But, despite this, across the globe, someone dies every two minutes from the disease and more women now die from cervical cancer than maternal mortality. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are disproportionately affected by cervical cancer; approximately 90% of cases and deaths occur in these countries. This burden is only getting worse, and it is expected that without further action mortality will increase 50% by 2050.

Cervical cancer is a global challenge that no single scientist, institution or country can tackle alone. At CRUK, we believe that our role in establishing the link between HPV and cervical cancer, as well as our ongoing expertise on the issue, puts us in a strong position to accelerate progress globally. 

In 2020, the World Health Organization launched their global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. In the same year, CRUK started supporting organisations in LMICs to prevent cervical cancer. By collaborating with in-country partners to fill knowledge gaps and drive progress, we are supporting the introduction and strengthening the coverage of national HPV vaccination programmes. In doing so, we’re aiming to make sure that more adolescent girls receive potentially life-saving protection from cervical cancer

Our partnerships include:

Solina Health – CRUK is supporting a programme in Nigeria, delivered by Solina Health, to strengthen the national roll out of the HPV vaccine. The group are generating, disseminating and overseeing the adoption of policy and implementation evidence needed to ensure there is high uptake of the HPV vaccine throughout Nigeria.

I-PaRCS – With CRUK’s support, I-PaRCS have developed the Elimination Planning Tool. This is a freely-accessible interactive tool which enables policymakers, researchers and advocates to explore the impact of different cervical cancer services in their chosen country, helping LMICs build their path towards eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem.

American Cancer Society - India has the highest national burden of cervical cancer cases in the world. In partnership with the American Cancer Society, CRUK is supporting healthcare workers in India to recommend the HPV vaccine. Employing an evidence-based approach, our programme will provide knowledge and skill development to boost healthcare workers’ ability to give direction on the HPV vaccine, and to create a supportive environment to inform parental decisions.