Cervical Cancer in developing countries refers to the disproportionate burden of malignancy of the uterine cervix borne by low- and middle-income settings, where the disease ranks among the leading causes of cancer death in women despite being largely preventable. The overwhelming majority of cases are driven by per…
Cervical Cancer in developing countries refers to the disproportionate burden of malignancy of the uterine cervix borne by low- and middle-income settings, where the disease ranks among the leading causes of cancer death in women despite being largely preventable. The overwhelming majority of cases are driven by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types, particularly 16 and 18, which integrate into host cells and dysregulate proliferative pathways during virus-induced carcinogenesis. The elevated incidence and late-stage presentation seen in resource-limited regions stem chiefly from limited access to organized screening, HPV vaccination, and treatment infrastructure, compounded by low awareness among women of childbearing age. Screening modalities span cytology (Pap smear), visual inspection with acetic acid, and HPV DNA testing, the latter increasingly favored for its sensitivity and suitability for self-sampling. Determinants of screening uptake—including education, rural residence, health-system contact, and displacement among refugee and migrant populations—are central themes in the literature, alongside molecular characterization of tumor signaling such as the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis. Effective control combines prophylactic vaccination of adolescents, scaled-up screen-and-treat programs, and community education aimed at earlier detection and reduced mortality.
7 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.