It is estimated that 5% of the global
cancer burden, or approximately 690,000
cancer cases annually, is attributable to human papillomavirus (HPV). Primary prevention through prophylactic vaccination is the best option for reducing the burden of HPV-related
cancers. Most high-income countries (HICs) have introduced the
HPV vaccine and are routinely vaccinating adolescent boys and girls. Unfortunately, although they suffer the greatest morbidity and mortality due to HPV-related
cancers, many lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have been unable to initiate and sustain vaccination programs.
Secondary prevention in the form of screening has led to substantial declines in
cervical cancer incidence in areas with established screening programs, but LMICs with absent or inadequate screening programs have high incidence rates. Meanwhile, HICs have seen incidence rates of anal and
oropharyngeal cancers rise owing to the limited availability of organized screening for
anal cancer and no validated screening options for
oropharyngeal cancer. The implementation of screening programs for individuals at high risk of these
cancers has the potential to reduce the burden of
cervical cancer in LMICs, of anal and
oropharyngeal cancers in HICs, and of
anal cancer for highly selected HIV+ populations in LMICs. This review will discuss primary prevention of HPV-related
cancers through vaccination and
secondary prevention through screening of cervical, anal, and
oropharyngeal cancers. Areas of concern and highlights of successes already achieved are included.