The Global Burden of Cervical Cancer : A Systematic Review of Social Implications, Ethical Considerations, and Scientific Challenges

By: Hyunsuh (Angela) Choi, Greenhills School

The review article explores the global burden of cervical cancer, underlining its social, ethical, and scientific challenges. Despite progress in HPV vaccination and screening, cervical cancer remains a significant health problem, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Socioeconomic and geographic barriers impede access to preventive care, with late diagnoses and higher mortality rates among lower-income populations. Social concerns regarding gender bias in HPV vaccination and cultural barriers to healthcare access raise ethical issues. Scientifically, AI and molecular testing represent exciting new advances for early detection, but this too has technological limitations and gaps in funding that limit its worldwide adoption. Future directions include expansion of HPV vaccine coverage, enhanced techniques for screening, and immunotherapies. However, how to make these innovations equitable in underserved regions remains the big challenge. The study calls for global collaboration and policy reform in reducing disparities in improving cervical cancer prevention and treatment worldwide.