[Global guidelines for cervical cancer screening: a systematic review]

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic Oncology
• Public Health
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Context:

• Cervical cancer remains a significant global health concern, necessitating effective screening strategies.
• Existing cervical cancer screening guidelines vary across different regions and healthcare systems.
• The evolution of diagnostic methods, particularly human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, impacts screening recommendations.

Purpose:

• To systematically review and evaluate current international guidelines for cervical cancer screening.
• To identify common practices, recommended screening methods, and follow-up protocols.
• To assess the alignment of guidelines with current scientific evidence and identify gaps.

Summary:

• A review of 29 global guidelines (pre-September 2020) reveals a focus on average-risk populations aged 25-65.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is emerging as a primary screening method, often recommended every five years, compared to cytology every three years.
• Guidelines suggest triage or repeat screening for abnormal results, with direct colposcopy for high-risk individuals; HPV-vaccinated populations often follow general guidelines.

Impact:

• Highlights the global shift towards HPV testing as the preferred primary screening modality for cervical cancer.
• Identifies a need for updated guidelines that specifically address screening recommendations for special populations.
• Provides a comparative overview to inform policy decisions and standardize cervical cancer screening practices worldwide.