Human Papilloma Virus-mediated Carcinoma of Cervix

Abstract

Cervical cancer is a major global health problem, with more than 500,000 new cases being reported each year and an estimated 275,000 women dying from it annually. One of the important causes of this cancer is human papilloma virus (HPV). Of the several types of HPV, type 16 and 18 are considered to be the main types that mediate the development of cervix carcinoma. The high-risk types cause not only cervix carcinoma, but also cause significant number of penile, vaginal, anal and oropharyngeal cancer. Two effective prophylactic vaccines are available to prevent this cancer. The opportunities to prevent HPV-mediated carcinoma of cervix include the availability of safe and effective vaccines and diagnostic tests; screening Pap smear test and molecular tests. The availability of molecular technique not only brings specificity to tests but also helps in identifying HPV genotype. This could help in epidemiology of HPV type distribution in a given region. The main challenges are the high cost of vaccine, health education, cultural and religious issues, and proper counseling. Proper planning is required to provide health education to general population and proper training in counseling to the health workers. The strategy should also consider the other types that are of oncogenic potential and oropharyngeal cancer caused by these genotypes.