Cervical cancer represents a success story in developed countries due to screening and vaccination, yet remains a significant global health problem with over 340,000 deaths annually worldwide. We explore the current state of cervical cancer prevention, screening, and treatment while discussing exciting advances that could eventually eliminate this disease.

• Different levels of prevention for cervical cancer: primordial, primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary
• HPV vaccination as the most effective primary prevention method, with Australia on track to make cervical cancer rare by 2035
• Evolution from Pap smears to primary HPV testing, with potential future urine-based screening options
• Less radical surgical approaches for early-stage disease, improving quality of life without compromising outcomes
• Immunotherapy advances showing 6-12 month survival benefits in metastatic disease
• Howard Kelly's pioneering work with radium in the early 1900s, establishing foundations for radiation therapy
• Importance of addressing healthcare disparities, as rural Americans are 25% more likely to develop cervical cancer and 42% more likely to die from it

Visit our website at thinkingaboutobgyn.com for more information and follow us on Instagram for updates.

00:00:00 Introduction to Cervical Cancer

00:08:10 Prevention Strategies Explained

00:18:02 HPV Screening Evolution

00:26:51Treatment of Early-Stage Disease

00:37:09Advances in Locally Advanced Disease

00:50:31 Radium and Howard Kelly's History

01:02:48 Final Thoughts on Prevention

Follow us on Instagram @thinkingaboutobgyn.