Mortality due to cervical cancer is generally decreasing in the Region. However, this reduction was slower between 2010 and 2020 than between 2000 and 2010 (Figure A.10). The unequal distribution of social determinants of health as wealth, education, access to labor market, access to health services, and opportunity, for early cancer detection explain inequalities in the incidence, prevalence, and mortality due to cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is a significant public health problem among women, yet it is largely preventable through human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, screening, and pre-cancer treatment. Policies and interventions to prevent mortality due to cervical cancer vary in maturity across countries. A regional plan of action to prevent and control cervical cancer—with the goal of reducing mortality by one-third by 2030—has been adopted by countries in the Region in recognition of the potential for future elimination of this disease. Updated cancer data are expected to be available in 2024. This will provide important information on understanding the status within the Region and guide future actions. 

Recommendations 

• Expand HPV vaccine access to all individuals of all ages in national vaccination schemes to reduce exposure to HPV, and ultimately alleviate the burden of cervical cancer within the population. 

• Include high-grade HPV typification in HPV screening routines to enhance early treatment opportunities. 

• Address health inequalities related to cervical cancer through improving health information systems and promoting data disaggregation at smaller geographic scales and particularly focusing on key social stratifiers like wealth, education, sex, urban-rural divide, and other social determinants of health to identify and implement targeted interventions that effectively ensure equitable access to services.