Description
This webinar provides a comprehensive overview of cervical cancer prevention, early detection, and long-term management strategies. The session will cover evidence-based screening protocols, HPV vaccination, and risk stratification for different population groups. Experts will discuss advances in diagnostic tools, follow-up pathways, and integrated prevention models. Practical guidance on patient counseling, community awareness, and improving screening uptake will be shared. Designed for healthcare professionals, this webinar aims to strengthen holistic, preventive approaches to cervical cancer care.
Summary Listen
- Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women and the fifth leading cause of cancer death globally, with hundreds of thousands of new cases and deaths occurring annually. Risk factors include smoking, early sexual activity, multiple partners, immunodeficiency (especially HIV), prolonged oral contraceptive use, and most importantly, infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
- HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease, transmitted via skin contact, with over 200 strains. Some strains are low-risk, while 17 are known to cause cervical cancer. High-risk strains 16 and 18 are particularly dangerous, while others cause genital warts.
- Prevention strategies include primordial prevention (health education and promoting safe sexual habits), primary prevention (HPV vaccination), and secondary prevention (cervical cancer screening). The HPV vaccine protects against over 90% of cervical cancers, anal cancers, and genital warts. Vaccination schedules vary depending on age and immune status, with current vaccines covering the high-risk HPV strains 16 and 18, as well as strains causing genital warts.
- Cervical cancer screening traditionally involves cytology, such as the Pap smear test, which has been used worldwide since the 1940s. Liquid-based cytology improves accuracy by separating cells from blood and debris. Screening protocols generally recommend starting Pap smears between ages 21 and 30, with options for HPV testing alongside Pap smears for women aged 30-65, and no further screening after 65 if previous results were negative. Specific protocols differ by country.
- Risk stratification pathways vary, with the American system considering risk factors, the British system following a structured pathway, and the WHO system prioritizing HPV testing and avoiding loss to follow-up. Self-sampling for HPV testing is emerging as an alternative, increasing accessibility. Despite available screening facilities, attendance rates, particularly among young women, are often low due to embarrassment, worries, or lack of information.
- Future screening modalities include AI-assisted cytology analysis and colposcopy, improving efficiency, consistency, accuracy, and accessibility, especially in resource-limited settings. AI can assist in primary HPV testing, triage, and colposcopy diagnosis. Digital colposcopy and mobile colposcopes offer high-resolution imaging and AI-assisted biopsy guidance.
- Additional screening technologies include dual-stain tests using P16 and Ki-67 biomarkers, DNA methylation and microRNA assessment for prognosis, and E6/E7 oncoprotein tests to detect active HPV hijacking of cells. Nanotechnology, using nanoparticles to detect HPV DNA and related proteins, is also being explored. Chatbots can provide education and support, especially regarding vaccination and screening, overcoming barriers and offering personalized reminders.
- These combined strategies have reduced cervical cancer mortality by 75%, with further reductions anticipated. Global initiatives like the WHO's 90-70-90 targets aim for widespread vaccination, screening, and treatment to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030.
Sample Certificate
About the Speakers
Prof. Dr. Panayoti Bachkangi
Consultant Obstetrician & Urogynaecologist - Menopause Specialist, UHDB NHS Trust, United Kingdom
Comments
Comments
You must be logged in to leave a comment.