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Cancer

Human Papillomavirus Vaccines Crucial for Preventing Female Cancers in Women of Childbearing Age

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Women of childbearing age are disproportionately affected by female cancers such as breast, cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancer. A recent study published in Translational Oncology concludes that human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are essential in preventing these cancers. The study estimates that the global incidence of breast, uterine, cervical, and ovarian cancer among women of childbearing age was 561,438 in 2021, with breast cancer accounting for the highest number of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs).

Key Takeaways:

  • The study estimates that the global incidence of breast, uterine, cervical, and ovarian cancer among women of childbearing age was 561,438 in 2021, with breast cancer accounting for the highest number of DALYs at 6659,460.
  • Diets high in red meat, smoking, and alcohol consumption contributed to 11.2 %, 2.5 %, and 2.6 % of breast cancer deaths, respectively, while unprotected sex accounted for majority of cervical cancer deaths.
  • Obesity was responsible for 30.2 % of both ovarian and uterine cancer deaths.
  • Bayesian projection models indicated that by 2030, the global age-standardized incidence rates of breast and ovarian cancers among women of childbearing age will reach 31.5 and 4.7 per 100,000 population, respectively.
  • The study concludes that priority should be given to initiatives such as smoking cessation programs, alcohol reduction strategies, HPV vaccination campaigns, and safe sex education, particularly in lower SDI countries.
  • The study highlights the importance of HPV vaccines in preventing female cancers, with the absolute number of cervical cancer cases having risen over the past decade, accompanied by a steady rise in age-standardized incidence rates.

Statistics:

  • The global incidence of breast, uterine, cervical, and ovarian cancer among women of childbearing age was 561,438 in 2021.
  • Breast cancer accounted for the highest number of DALYs at 6659,460 in 2021.
  • Diets high in red meat contributed to 11.2 % of breast cancer deaths.
  • Smoking contributed to 2.5 % of breast cancer deaths.
  • Alcohol consumption contributed to 2.6 % of breast cancer deaths.
  • Unprotected sex accounted for the majority of cervical cancer deaths.
  • Obesity was responsible for 30.2 % of both ovarian and uterine cancer deaths.
  • Bayesian projection models indicate that the global age-standardized incidence rates of breast and ovarian cancers among women of childbearing age will reach 31.5 and 4.7 per 100,000 population, respectively, by 2030.

Sources:

  • Translational Oncology, 2025;60:102473
  • Global, regional, and national estimates of burden and risk factors of female cancers in child-bearing age: A systematic analysis for Global Burden of Disease Study and Bayesian projection to 2030.
  • University of Hong Kong, School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China.
  • Guang Chen, Qiaoxin Shi, Yunqing Xun, Tung-Leong Fong, Ruogu Xiong, Ya Xuan Sun, Junjie Lu, Yige Li, Zheng Li, Guanghui Zhu, Ying Wu, Yang Zhou, Yibin Feng, and Karen K. L. Chan.
  • Elsevier Science Inc, Ste 800, 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169, USA.

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