Women's ignorance and misperception of cervical cancer: Evidence-based analysis from low- and middle-income countries

Abstract

Cervical cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality particularly in low- and mid-income countries. This review synthesizes existing knowledge on cervical cancer, HPV infection, and HPV vaccination accumulated over the past decade (2015-2024), highlighting disparities in awareness and prevention strategies globally. Education level correlates with HPV vaccine awareness, yet mere familiarity with cervical cancer doesn't ensure understanding of its severity. Notably, prevention measures, including screening and HPV testing, varied significantly across countries during this period. To enhance HPV vaccine uptake moving forward, targeted efforts are necessary to educate women, particularly in low- and mid-income countries, about HPV risks as a sexually transmitted disease and the availability of affordable vaccines in government clinics.