Human Papillomavirus Selected Properties and Related Cervical Cancer Prevention Issues

Abstract

High-risk human papillomavirus strains are widely known to be the causative agents responsible for cervical cancer development. Aggregated damage caused by papillomaviruses solely is estimated in at least 5% of all malignancies of the human body and 16% in cancers that affect the female genital area. Enhanced understanding of the complex issue on how the high extent of carcinogenicity is eventually formed due to the infection by the Papoviridae family would contribute to enhancing current prevention strategies not only towards cervical cancer, but also other HPV associated cancers. This review article is aimed at presenting the key points in two directions: the current cervical cancer prevention and related aspects of HPV behavior. Virtually all applied technologies related to HPV diagnostics and screening programs, such as HPV tests, colposcopy-based tests (VIA/VILI), conventional and liquid-based cytology, currently available are presented. Issues of availability, advantages, and drawbacks of the screening programs, as well as vaccination strategies, are also reviewed in the article based on the analyzed sources. The current point of view regarding HPV is discussed with emphasis on the most problematic aspect of the HPV family concerning the observed increasing number of highly carcinogenic types. Present trends in HPV infection diagnostics throughout the human fluids and tissues are also reported, including the latest novelties in this field, such as HPV assay/self-sample device combinations. Besides, a brief outline of the related prevention issues in Kazakhstan, the leading country of Central Asia, is presented. Kazakhstan, as one of the post-soviet middle-income countries, may serve as an example of the current situation in those terrains, concerning the implementation of globally accepted cervical cancer prevention strategies. Along with positive achievements, such as the development of a nationwide screening program, a range of drawbacks is also analyzed and discussed.

What Factors Are Associated with Attitudes towards HPV Vaccination among Kazakhstani Women? Exploratory Analysis of Cross-Sectional Survey Data

“…There are many issues related to cervical cancer prevention that require solving in Kazakhstan in the near future [ 18 ]. Although it requires attention and effort from healthcare policymakers, social media could help to improve the situation with overall societal awareness.…”

“…The national cervical cancer screening program was updated in 2017 [ 17 ], and eligible women received the screening free of charge. However, according to reports, the state-funded coverage reached only 50% of the target population [ 18 ]; thus, the screening coverage was low (around 46%) [ 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”

“…In 2013, the HPV vaccination campaign was introduced in Kazakhstan as a pilot program in four large regions [ 21 ]. Bivalent and tetravalent HPV vaccines were approved for the campaign, targeting 11–12-year-old girls [ 18 ]. However, the lack of an HPV vaccination awareness campaign that should have preceded and accompanied the vaccination program and the influence of social media’s negative content on the program have led to a negative public reaction and unwillingness of parents to vaccinate their children against HPV [ 18 , 21 , 22 ].…”

“…Bivalent and tetravalent HPV vaccines were approved for the campaign, targeting 11–12-year-old girls [ 18 ]. However, the lack of an HPV vaccination awareness campaign that should have preceded and accompanied the vaccination program and the influence of social media’s negative content on the program have led to a negative public reaction and unwillingness of parents to vaccinate their children against HPV [ 18 , 21 , 22 ]. Parents refused to vaccinate their daughters due to concerns about the HPV vaccine’s safety and efficacy [ 23 ].…”

Exploring HPV vaccine knowledge, attitudes, barriers and information sources among parents, health professionals and teachers in Kazakhstan: a mixed-methods study protocol

“…Moreover, HPV causes benign diseases such as genital and oropharyngeal warts in adults and children, significantly affecting quality of life and increasing costs for patients and the healthcare system. Up to 80% of all HPV-associated cancers are cervical cancers (CC) 2 3. CC is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, causing more than 300 000 deaths per year.…”