Cervical Cancer

South Africa has among the highest cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa. Cervical cancer is described as the fourth most common cancer among women globally. Just over half of all survey respondents believed cervical cancer could be prevented. Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among Guatemalan women under 45. Guatemala recorded approximately 1,555 new cervical cancer cases and 872 deaths in 2020. Cervical cancer was the fourth most common cancer among women globally in 2022 by both incidence and mortality. The OR Tambo hospitals named in the protocol have a high recorded cervical cancer caseload. Persistent infection with oncogenic HPV strains causes more than 99% of cervical cancer cases. Persistent high-risk HPV infection, especially HPV-16 and HPV-18, is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV types 16 and 18 cause over 70% of cervical cancers worldwide. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains. High-risk HPV subtypes 16 and 18 cause at least 70% of cervical cancer cases. Limited vaccination, screening, and rural healthcare access contribu…