Cervical cancer cases and deaths projected to rise globally by 2050

A study published in Nature Medicine projects a 20.2% increase in global cervical cancer cases and a 39.3% increase in annual deaths by 2050. Researchers from the University of Washington analyzed data from 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2023, using estimates from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study.

In 2023, there were approximately 887,000 new cases and 369,000 deaths worldwide. By 2050, annual cases are expected to reach 1.08 million, while deaths could rise to 522,000. The study highlights significant global inequalities: in 2023, age-standardized incidence rates in low-income countries were more than four times higher than in high-income countries, and mortality rates were more than seven times higher.

Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to face the heaviest burden, with projected increases of 88.7% in new cases and 95.4% in deaths. While the disease is largely preventable through HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment, current trends suggest no major global region will meet the World Health Organization’s elimination threshold by 2050.

In Greece, 2023 data showed approximately 669 new cases and 310 deaths, representing a decline of roughly 19.4% in cases and 16% in deaths since 1990.