Global burden of cervical cancer: current estimates, temporal trend and future projections based on the GLOBOCAN 2022

Abstract

Background

Cervical cancer is the only cancer that can be eliminated worldwide. Tracking the latest burden of cervical cancer is critical toward the targets set by World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate cervical cancer as a major public health problem.

Methods

All data were extracted from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2022. Age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and mortality rates (ASMR) of cervical cancer were compared and linked to Human Development Index (HDI) between populations. The estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were used to characterize the temporal trend in ASIR/ASMR, and demographic estimates were projected up to 2050.

Results

Globally, an estimated 662,044 cases (ASIR: 14.12/100,000) and 348,709 deaths (ASMR: 7.08/100,000) from cervical cancer occurred in 2022, corresponding to the fourth cause of cancer morbidity and mortality in women worldwide. Specifically, 42 % of cases and 39 % of deaths occurred in China (23 % and 16 %) and India (19 % and 23 %). Both ASIR and ASMR of cervical cancer decreased with HDI, and similar decreasing links were observed for both early-onset (0–39 years) and late-onset (≥40 years) cervical cancer. Both ASIR and ASMR of overall cervical cancer showed decreasing trends during 2003–2012 (EAPC: 0.04 % and -1.03 %); however, upward trends were observed for early-onset cervical cancer (EAPC: 1.16 % and 0.57 %). If national rates in 2022 remain stable, the estimated cases and deaths from cervical cancer are projected to increase by 56.8 % and 80.7 % up to 2050. Moreover, the projected increase of early-onset cervical cancer is mainly observed in transitioning countries, while decreased burden is expected in transitioned countries.

Conclusions

Cervical cancer remains a common cause of cancer death in many countries, especially in transitioning countries. Unless scaling-up preventive interventions, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer screening, as well as systematic cooperation within government, civil societies, and private enterprises, the global burden of cervical cancer would be expected to increase in the future.