Cost-effective screening methods on cervical cancer: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is avoidable; yet, it continues to be a significant cause of mortality in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) owing to restricted access to screening. Conventional techniques such as Pap smears and HPV DNA testing are efficacious but expensive and challenging to execute in resource-constrained environments. Economical options, like Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), HPV self-sampling, and low-cost HPV DNA assays, have arisen to tackle these issues. These strategies are more cost-effective, simpler to use, and have enhanced screening in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Nevertheless, obstacles such as quality assurance, post-treatment care, and the expense of novel technology require attention. Ongoing investment and partnership are crucial for enhancing access to these life-saving screening techniques in underserved areas.

Purpose: To explore the cost-effective screening on cervical cancer.

Method: A systematic literature review methodology was utilized to collect and evaluate data from PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The terms "cervical cancer screening," "adult women," "pap smear," "HPV vaccination," "behaviour," and "quality of life" were employed for this aim. A total of 131 items were recognized. The investigation included eight papers that met the established criteria. Subsequently, we conduct a systematic analysis and assessment of the selected articles in the existing literature.

Results: Numerous studies have shown that HPV testing, especially self-sampling and screen-and-treat approaches, is more cost-effective and efficient for cervical cancer screening compared to traditional methods such as cytology. In numerous low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), HPV self-sampling combined with thermal ablation has demonstrated an increase in screening coverage, a reduction in cervical cancer incidence, and enhanced treatment outcomes. Cost-effectiveness analyses performed in nations such as China and Brazil demonstrate that transitioning to HPV-based screening methodologies not only decreases expenses but also enhances the early identification of high-grade precancerous lesions. Moreover, self-sampling has proven to be a highly acceptable alternative, considerably enhancing screening participation rates in nations with restricted healthcare access. When integrated with suitable treatment procedures, such as thermal ablation, these methods can significantly diminish cervical cancer incidence, particularly in resource-limited environments.

Conclusion: Economical cervical cancer screening techniques, including VIA, HPV self-sampling, and accessible HPV DNA testing, offer essential solutions to the obstacles encountered by low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) in the prevention of cervical cancer. These methods are scalable, cost-effective, and efficient in enhancing screening accessibility in situations where conventional procedures are prohibitively expensive or challenging to execute. Nonetheless, obstacles include quality assurance, provision of follow-up care, and management of the expenses associated with new technology must be addressed to facilitate wider use. Ongoing investment and international cooperation are essential for decreasing cervical cancer mortality and guaranteeing that these vital screenings are available to all women.