Cervical Cancer Cases Fall in Greece, But Global Numbers To Rise

by · Greek City Times

Greece recorded approximately 669 new cervical cancer cases and 310 deaths from the disease in 2023, representing estimated declines of 19.4% and 16%, respectively, since 1990. However, a new international study warns that cervical cancer cases worldwide could increase by 20.2% and deaths by 39.3% by 2050.

Published in the scientific journal Nature Medicine, the study highlights persistent inequalities in access to prevention, screening and treatment, warning that the global burden of cervical cancer could increase significantly over the coming decades.

Researchers led by the University of Washington in Seattle analysed cervical cancer incidence, deaths and health loss across 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2023. They used estimates from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study to examine historical trends and project developments through to 2050.

The researchers estimated that cervical cancer caused 887,000 new cases and 369,000 deaths worldwide in 2023.

Greece’s figures

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The estimated 669 new cases recorded in Greece in 2023 represented a 19.4% decline compared with 1990. However, the uncertainty range was relatively wide, extending from a 39.2% decrease to a 4.8% increase.

The estimated 310 deaths represented a 16% decline over the same period, with an uncertainty range spanning a 33% decrease to a 2.8% increase.

Global cases and deaths projected to increase

By 2050, annual cervical cancer cases worldwide are projected to rise by 20.2% compared with 2024 levels, reaching approximately 1.08 million. Annual deaths could increase by 39.3%, reaching around 522,000.

The burden will remain unevenly distributed, with sub-Saharan Africa expected to record the highest incidence and mortality rates.

In that region, new cases could increase by 88.7%, while deaths could rise by 95.4%, reaching approximately 206,000 annually by 2050.

The researchers warn that, if current trends continue, none of the seven major geographical regions covered by the Global Burden of Disease study is expected to achieve the World Health Organisation’s cervical cancer elimination target by 2050.

The WHO defines elimination as reducing cervical cancer incidence to fewer than four cases per 100,000 people.

Prevention remains key

Cervical cancer is largely preventable through human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, screening and treatment of cervical conditions.

However, access to these measures varies considerably between countries. In 2023, the age-standardised incidence rate in low-income countries was more than four times higher than in high-income countries, while the corresponding mortality rate was more than seven times higher.

The researchers therefore call for wider access to HPV vaccination, screening and treatment to reduce the future burden of the disease.

They also acknowledge limitations in their estimates, particularly gaps in the availability and quality of health data in low- and middle-income countries.

Furthermore, the projections assume current trends will continue and do not account for the potential impact of future HPV vaccination programmes on cervical cancer rates.

Scientific publication: Nature Medicine

(Source: AMNA)

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