Survey highlights the global challenges of HPV and cervical cancer

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is the single leading cause of cervical cancer,2 yet up to half the general public remains unaware of the connection. Acommissioned by Roche across 12 countries in Latin America and Europe highlights a glaring gap in public awareness about HPV and underscores the urgent need for better education and improved screening access1.

The survey, which gathered responses from over 8,700 people, reveals that half the population has limited understanding of HPV, with nearly a third of respondents unsure or unaware of it altogether. This lack of awareness is concerning, given that HPV – a common sexually transmitted infection – is responsible for over 99% of cervical cancers,2 which result in more than 340,000 deaths worldwide each year3.

The survey underscores significant regional differences in HPV awareness and screening practices. In Latin American countries, between 73% and 89% of women surveyed had some knowledge of HPV, while in Europe, that range dropped to 50% to 78%. In European countries, where screening is more readily available, understanding of the critical role HPV plays in causing cervical cancer is more limited than in Latin American countries, where screening is on the whole harder to access. This discrepancy highlights the fact that both access to screening and public awareness are crucial in the fight against cervical cancer. Without sufficient education, even accessible healthcare services may remain underused, and without proper access, awareness alone is not enough to fully realise global prevention efforts. 

Yet these efforts have the potential to save millions of lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set ambitious targets in cervical cancer, aiming to ensure that by 2030, 90% of girls are vaccinated against HPV by age 15, and 70% of women are screened with high-performance tests by age 35 and again by age 45.4 With the potential to prevent over 62 million deaths in the next century,4 this global initiative can only succeed with concerted efforts from health systems worldwide.

Despite cervical cancer being highly preventable through appropriate screening and HPV vaccination, the survey reveals significant barriers to seeking testing. Common concerns cited include the potential pain of the testing procedure (noted by up to 63% of respondents in some countries) and discomfort in discussing sexual history with healthcare providers (reported by up to 57% in some regions). These barriers are particularly pronounced in low-resource countries, where nine in ten cervical cancer deaths occur.3

One promising finding from the survey is the widespread interest in self-collection for HPV testing. Over 70% of respondents expressed a willingness to collect their own samples if given the option, which could help overcome barriers like stigma and embarrassment associated with healthcare provider-led sample collection. Interest in self-collection was especially strong in Latin American countries, where limited infrastructure and appointment availability make routine screening more challenging.

Roche’s commitment to improving HPV awareness and screening is evidenced through partnerships with health systems and governments in more than 55 countries. Specific initiatives, such as the collaboration with the Peruvian Ministry of Health, have enabled more than 300,000 unscreened or underscreened women to access HPV testing using Roche’s self-collection solutions. Additionally, Roche’s comprehensive cervical cancer portfolio ensures that healthcare providers are equipped with the necessary tools for accurate and efficient screening and diagnosis, further amplifying their impact.

As the 2030 target for eliminating cervical cancer draws nearer, the results of this survey highlight the urgent need for stronger commitments from governments, health systems, and communities to address gaps in awareness and access to screening. Roche is proud to play a pivotal role in this effort, providing solutions that overcome some of the key barriers women report, and helping to bring lifesaving screening to millions of women worldwide.

References

1. GWI/Roche HPV Health Understanding Study 2024. 

2. Centers for Disease Control, Cancers caused by HPV

3. World Health Organization. Global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. Article [Internet; updated 2020 November 17; cited 2023 Jan 3] Available from:

4. World Health Organization (2022). Cervical Cancer. Available at: