Women over 65 at high risk of HPV-linked cancer, say researchers

Routine cervical screening should be offered to women aged 65 and over as they are at heightened risk of cancer from human papillomavirus (HPV), according to research.

- Anna Bawden

There were about 660,000 cases of cervical cancer and 350,000 deaths from the disease worldwide in 2022, according to the World Health Organization.

HPV is responsible for about 95% of cervical cancer, which occurs when abnormal cells develop in the lining of the cervix and grow, eventually forming a tumour.

The WHO's global strategy on cervical cancer states that by 2030, all countries should vaccinate 90% of girls with the HPV vaccine by 15, screen 70% of women and treat 90% of those with cervical disease. Modelling suggests this would prevent 62 million deaths and a cumulative 74 million new cases of cervical cancer by 2120.