Starting from the WHO campaign 90-70-90 for HPV-related tumors, read our Q&A to learn how we can all contribute to supporting cancer early screening and reducing cases

What is the meaning of WHO campaign 90-70 -90 targets towards elimination of Cervical Cancer?

90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15; 70% of women screened using a high-performance test by the age of 35, and again by the age of 45; 90% of women with pre-cancer treated and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed.

What is the current screening strategy recommended by WHO?

In general population screening priority every 5 years is between 30-49 years’ range with HPV screening (and partial genotyping), followed by dual-stain (p16/Ki-67) cytological triage and treatment in the first 6 months after positivity; in HIV-positive population screening priority every 3-5 years is between 25-49  years’ range with HPV screening, triage and treatment;

What is the POC strategy pursued by various institutions, including the NIH? What could be the Pros and Cons?

The POC strategy consists of a single combined visit for diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis, depending on different programs, combines HPV screening and VIA (visual inspection with acetic acid) followed by immediate treatment. Pros would be the treatment of all diagnosed patients, with minimal loss to follow-up of positive cases. Cons could be the overtreatment of doubtful cases as well as the undertreatment of subject with modest clinical lesions.

Such recommendations, which represent minimum/simplified global achievements, could be articulated into more complex diagnostic algorithms, as detailed in the WHO guidelines