Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, yet it remains the fourth most common cancer in women globally, claiming an estimated 350,000 lives in 2022. As nearly 99% of cases are linked to high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the shift toward molecular-based primary screening is the most vital step in reaching global elimination targets.
The Global Roadmap: The 90-70-90 Strategy
To eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem, the World Health Organization (WHO) has established the 90-70-90 strategy to be achieved by 2030:
90% of girls will be vaccinated with all doses of the HPV vaccine recommended by health institutions by the age of 15.
70% of women will be screened with a high-performance test (such as Real-Time PCR) by age 35 and again by 45.
90% of women with pre-cancer or invasive cancer will receive appropriate treatment and care.
Achieving these targets is estimated to avert over 60 million deaths over the next century.
Screening Guidelines: When and How Often?
While traditional Pap smears (cytology) have long been the standard method, they primarily detect cellular changes that have already occurred. In contrast, HPV Screening can detect the presence of the virus years before precancerous lesions even develop. Current global clinical guidelines generally emphasize the transition to Primary HPV Screening, which is a more sensitive method.
- Ages 30–65 (The Gold Standard): The World Health Organization (WHO) and European Guidelines recommend HPV DNA testing as the primary method for this age group. For women who test negative for HPV, the screening interval is established as every 5 years (and up to 10 years in certain programs).
- In its latest recommendations, the European Commission (EC-CvC) advises starting screening for women over 30 with the HPV test alone. It specifically recommends against using co-testing (HPV + Pap smear) or Pap smear alone as the primary screening tool.
- The rapid transition of existing Pap smear-based programs toward molecular HPV screening is highly encouraged to ensure better public health outcomes. Please refer to doctor for further information.
Molecular Diagnostics: Screening vs. Genotyping
In a clinical laboratory setting, not all HPV tests serve the same purpose. It is essential to distinguish between Screening and Genotyping to provide the best patient care:
- HPV Screening Kits: These are designed for high-volume primary screening. They provide a “Yes/No” result for the presence of a broad group of high-risk HPV types. If the screen is positive, it indicates that the patient is at risk and requires further investigation.
- HPV Genotyping Kits: These are used for “risk stratification.” Since HPV 16 and 18 are responsible for 70% of cervical cancers, knowing the exact genotype helps clinicians decide if immediate colposcopy is needed or if the patient can be monitored more conservatively.
Anatolia Bosphore HPV Solutions
Bosphore kits offer tailored solutions for every laboratory’s needs, compatible with UNIO 448 for a fully automated sample-to-result workflow.
By integrating these high-sensitivity molecular tools into routine care, we move closer to a world where no woman dies from a preventable disease like cervical cancer.
