COVID-19 Pandemic and Impacts on Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment Programs: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Cervical cancer is a significant global health issue affecting both developing and industrialised countries. Annually, over 500,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, resulting in more than 300,000 deaths worldwide. Notably, around 90% of cervical cancer cases occur in low- and middle-income countries that lack organised HPV screening and vaccination programs. The condition is commonly known as the 'disease of disparity' due to the significant difference in incidence and mortality rates between low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries. The objective of this review is to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cervical cancer, based on a narrative literature review. Experts in global gynecological health have reported that cervical cancer screening programs, already scarce in low- and middle-income countries, have been severely impacted by COVID-19 and cuts in UK foreign aid. The pandemic has caused delays in diagnosis due to the interruption of health services by COVID-19 control measures, as well as affecting the follow-up and treatment of women who have already been diagnosed. Following the pandemic restrictions, incidence and mortality rates have increased due to the failure of pap smear screening. The lack of screening services has disproportionately affected women who are most vulnerable due to social factors. In the long term, this may have a greater impact on low- and middle-income countries.