HPV causes most cervical cancer; vaccination and regular screening are key prevention methods globally.
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause of cervical cancer, responsible for over 95 percent of cases globally. This preventable disease causes thousands of deaths worldwide, predominantly in low and middle-income countries. The most effective prevention methods are vaccination and regular screening. Six HPV vaccines are available globally, protecting against high-risk types HPV 16 and 18. Persistent high-risk HPV infections can lead to precancerous conditions and cancers in women (cervical, liver, and external genital cancers) and men (oral, throat, esophageal, and tonsil cancers). Vaccination is effective at young ages but also beneficial later in life. In Lithuania, HPV vaccination is available for 11-year-old girls since 2016 and boys since 2023, with ongoing gynecological check-ups and regular cervical cancer screenings remaining important for women. Lithuania has updated its cervical cancer prevention program, requiring Pap tests every three years for women aged 25 to 35, and high-risk HPV testing for women aged 35 to 60. International studies show that HPV vaccination significantly reduces the incidence of precancerous lesions and cancer; for instance, in Denmark, HPV vaccination in adolescence can reduce cervical cancer risk by 86-100 percent. The World Health Organization emphasizes that combining vaccination and targeted screening is crucial for reducing HPV-related cancers, alongside early treatment of precancerous changes. Spain reports very low rates of cervical cancer, attributing this to a long-standing screening program, which is expanding to all women aged 25-65 starting in 2024. While vaccination uptake is increasing in countries like Croatia and Bulgaria, progress is slower than desired, though new national programs are being considered to include boys.
