Cervical cancer elimination in Italy: current scenario and priority actions for a values-based prevention
 
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1
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
 
2
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy, Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
 
3
University of Perugia, Italy, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy, Italy
 
4
VIHTALI (Value in Health Technology and Academy for Leadership and Innovation), Spin-off of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
 
5
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy, Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Rome, Italy; University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica Italy
 
 
Publication date: 2023-04-26
 
 
Popul. Med. 2023;5(Supplement):A1820
 
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective:
In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for the elimination of cervical cancer (CC). In order to get it, vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), CC screening and timely management of the disease must be implemented at international level. Our study aimed to describe the current scenario of HPV prevention in Italy and to get a consensus on indicators and priority actions for the CC elimination at national level.

Methods:
In order to address the progress of HPV-vaccination and CC screening at regional level in Italy, a project was conducted in 2021-2022. In particular, information was collected on both coverage indicators (for vaccination and screening), screening adherence, history and characteristics of the vaccination and screening offer. Collected data were shared with a multidisciplinary experts’ panel to issue recommendations to foster the CC elimination in Italy. A survey was also conducted to identify potential actions in respect to vaccination, screening and treatment.

Results:
The mapping of the Italian Regions highlighted an important regional heterogeneity in respect to organizational/operational issue of HPV vaccination and CC screening. Indicators for monitoring CC elimination strategies have been distinguished by disease outcomes, vaccination coverage, screening participation and treatment uptake. The following actions were identified to implement vaccination, screening and treatment: educational campaigns, reminders and active calls for both vaccination and screening and more data interoperability and definition of clinical pathway involving a multidisciplinary medical team for the proper management of all HPV-related diseases.

Conclusion:
The identification and constant assessment of specific indicators for monitoring the progress toward CC elimination are fundamental actions to be able to respond to the WHO call. To achieve the CC elimination, all available means must be used focusing on a comprehensive approach in favor of value-based interventions of prevention and best practices to be implemented at regional level.

ISSN:2654-1459
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