HPV vaccination, screening disparities, and the shifting landscape of cervical cancer burden: a global analysis of trends, inequalities, and policy implications.

SYNOPSIS

Health inequalities intensified, burden shifting to low-resource regions despite preventive advancements. HPV and screening rates diverged by SDI, highlighting coverage gaps. Screening and vaccination inversely linked to disease burden, underscoring critical efficacy. Innovative modeling exposed disparities, advocating SDI-stratified interventions.

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzes global and regional cervical cancer trends (1990-2021) across different Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) levels, highlighting health inequalities, assessing the impact of HPV vaccination and screening, and modeling future trends. The findings aim to inform targeted prevention policies, reduce regional disparities, and promote global health equity.

METHODS

Data were sourced from the Global Burden of Disease study 2021(GBD 2021), OECD, and WHO. The focus was on incidence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of cervical cancer. Time trends were analyzed by SDI regions, alongside health inequality assessments. Correlation analyses examined links between screening rates, HPV vaccination coverage, and disease burden.

RESULTS

From 1990 to 2021, global age-standardized incidence rate and age-standardized DALYs rates declined significantly, with estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) of -0.54% (95% CI: -0.63 to -0.44) and - 1.27% (95% CI: -1.36 to -1.18). However, significant differences exist in specific patterns of change across SDI regions: exhibited an upward incidence trajectory. From 1990 to 2021, the burden of cervical cancer disease shifted from developed to less developed regions. Correlation analysis showed negative associations between screening rates and DALYs (r = -0.56, p < 0.01) and between vaccination coverage and incidence (r = -0.35, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Although the global cervical cancer burden has decreased, significant regional disparities remain. Future policies should focus on tailored interventions, with low-resource regions strengthening healthcare infrastructure and implementing minimum effective preventive measures, while high-SDI regions shift to precision public health approaches. Policymakers must also incorporate culturally sensitive health education to address social barriers, challenge misconceptions, and empower communities, ultimately reducing preventable cervical cancer morbidity.