ArdorComm Media News Network
May 4, 2026
High-income countries could eliminate cervical cancer by 2048, but low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are expected to witness only modest declines over the next century, according to a new study published in The Lancet. Researchers warn that unless urgent action is taken, global inequalities in cervical cancer burden will widen sharply.
The study found that richer nations are making rapid progress through strong vaccination and screening programmes, while poorer countries continue to face slower implementation, limited healthcare access, and lower coverage rates.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, with nearly 99% of cases linked to high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a common virus transmitted through sexual contact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Prevention through HPV vaccination and regular screening remains the most effective strategy.
WHO Elimination Targets
The WHO defines cervical cancer elimination as reducing incidence to fewer than four cases per one lakh women. To achieve this, countries are urged to meet the 90-70-90 goals by 2030:
- 90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15
- 70% of women screened by ages 35 and 45
- 90% of women with pre-cancer or cancer receiving treatment
Researchers said meeting these targets could prevent 37 million cervical cancer cases globally over the next 100 years.
Slow Progress in Lower-Income Nations
The study modelled five HPV prevention strategies for LMICs, including a continuation of current efforts. Under the “status quo” scenario, cervical cancer incidence in these countries would decline by only 23%, while wealthier countries could eliminate the disease entirely by mid-century.
However, if LMICs achieve 90% vaccination coverage among girls, many regions outside sub-Saharan Africa could also move toward elimination.
New Hope Through Affordable Vaccines
The authors pointed to recent advances such as lower-cost vaccines, single-dose schedules, expanded screening programmes, and vaccinating multiple age groups, which could make cervical cancer elimination more realistic worldwide. Including boys in vaccination drives may further strengthen prevention efforts.
They stressed that stronger global cooperation, higher investment, and support from governments and international health agencies are essential to close the gap.
India Outlook
A 2022 study published in The Lancet Oncology estimated that a single-dose HPV vaccine with 90% coverage could prevent up to 78% of cervical cancer cases among vaccinated birth cohorts in India, with high-incidence states likely to benefit the most.
Source: PTI
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