Cervical cancer can be largely avoided thanks to screening and vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), recalls Public Health France.
- Cervical cancer is largely avoidable thanks to anti-HPV vaccination and screening. In 2023, 54.6 % of 15-year-old girls had received a dose of vaccine, but disparities persisted, especially overseas.
- Screening increased with a coverage rate of 59.5 % between 2020 and 2022, however remaining below the WHO objectives (70 %). Inequalities of access remain according to age and region.
- Strengthen vaccination in schools and improve information on screening are essential levers to reduce the impact and mortality of the CCU in France.
College cancer remains a major public health issue in France, with around 3,100 new cases and 1,100 annual deaths. However, this cancer linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) is largely avoidable – nine out of ten cases – thanks to vaccination and screening, recalls Public Health France (SPF) in a bulletin published Tuesday, February 4, on the occasion of the day global against cancer.
HPV vaccination: an encouraging but insufficient increase
Recommended and reimbursed since 2007 for adolescent girls and extended to boys in 2021, anti-HPV vaccination is an essential prevention. In 2023, 54.6 % of 15 -year -old girls had received at least one dose and 44.7 % of 16 -year -old girls had completed their vaccination. Although these figures are increasing, they remain below international recommendations. In addition, regional disparities are marked, with lower rates in the south of France and the overseas departments and regions (DROM).
“The deployment of HPV vaccination programs in the school environment and organized CCU screening represent opportunities to implement targeted actions aimed at reducing inequality”says SPF.
Detection of cervical cancer: a persistent delay
Since 2018, the national cervical cancer screening program (PND Occupant) has improved early detection and reducing access inequality. Between 2020 and 2022, the three -year coverage rate reached 59.5 %, growing compared to previous periods. This figure remains below the objectives of the World Health Organization (70 %) and European standards (75 %).
The comparative analysis between 2015-2017 and 2020-2022 also shows regional increases from 0.1 % to 23.7 %. But age disparities remain worrying: the screening rate reaches 67 % among 25-29 year olds, but drops to 47 % among 60-65 year olds. These differences illustrate the need to strengthen information and incentive devices, in particular for elderly women, often less aware of the importance of regular screening.
Encourage screening
As a reminder, the recommended frequency of cervical cancer screening is every three years for women aged 25 to 29, then every five years from 30 years. Screening, covered 100 % by health insurance without costs, can be carried out by a gynecologist, a general practitioner or a midwife, in various places: health centers, hospitals or laboratories on medical prescription. To simplify the steps, the site Jefaismondepistage.e-cancer.fr offers direct access to online appointments.
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