Prevention of cervical cancer: new data
To mark the launch of the national organized cervical cancer screening program, Santé publique France is publishing the latest available data on cervical cancer prevention in a special issue of the Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin.
Cervical cancer
thematic dossier
Cervical cancer, which is caused in nearly 100% of cases by a sexually transmitted human papillomavirus infection, can be prevented through HPV vaccination and screening.
This issue presents the latest data available in France and highlights the challenges involved in implementing measures and leveraging available resources to achieve the WHO’s 2018 goal of eliminating cervical cancer.
Only 60% of women aged 25 to 65 get screened regularly
Although two effective means of preventing cervical cancer are now available—namely screening and vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV)—nearly 3,000 women develop this cancer and 1,200 women still die from it each year in France. Today, only 60% of women aged 25 to 65 get screened regularly, and screening rates drop sharply with age starting at 50.
HPV vaccination coverage is very low in France...
In 2018, vaccination coverage among adolescent girls—the target group for HPV vaccination—remained below 30%, although an improvement has been observed over the past three years. This coverage is very low and among the lowest in Europe. The 2016 Santé publique France Health Barometer survey shows that barriers to this vaccination are linked to a lack of information and reluctance toward the vaccine. Among the surveyed population (young women aged 15 to 25 and parents of girls aged 11 to 19), 15% had never heard of the HPV vaccine. Half of the young women and three out of five parents were not offered the vaccine by their doctor.
… Effective intervention strategies exist to increase vaccination coverage
These results underscore the need to strengthen communication about this vaccine among the general public and healthcare professionals, following the example of communication campaigns carried out in other countries. A review of the literature on interventions implemented abroad to increase vaccination coverage shows that multi-component and multi-target strategies are the most effective. These strategies rely on better information (communication, sending reminders) and simplified access to vaccination, such as school-based vaccination programs, which have been implemented in many countries.
Significant geographical disparities
The data presented in this BEH indicate that significant geographic disparities exist. The French overseas departments (DOMs) appear particularly vulnerable: they have the highest cervical cancer incidence rates and the lowest screening and vaccination coverage rates.
View data on cervical cancer incidence, screening, and vaccination coverage in your region
GEODES, the mapping observatory of Santé publique France, provides regional and departmental data on cervical cancer incidence, screening coverage, and HPV vaccination coverage.
The 2014 Overseas Departments Barometer: Cervical Cancer Screening in Four Overseas Departments
A study based on data from the 2014 DOM Barometer analyzes the situation in Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, and Réunion regarding the use of cervical cancer screening. Based on self-reported data, the study presents the uptake of cervical cancer screening via Pap smears among women aged 25 to 65 and the factors associated with the lack of recent screening in these four territories.
Cervical cancer
thematic dossier
Cervical cancer, which is caused in nearly 100% of cases by a sexually transmitted human papillomavirus infection, can be prevented through HPV vaccination and screening.
