Global Inequalities in Cervical Cancer Incidence and Mortality

Background: Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in women after breast and colorectal cancers, and one of the leading causes of cancer death among women worldwide. The aim of this study is to determine the associations of cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates with the Human Development Index. Methods: Information of the incidence and mortality rates for cervical cancer were obtained from the GLOBOCAN Cancer Project for 2012 and data for the Human Development Index for 2013 from the World Bank database. We used linear regression models to assess the Human Development Index effect on cervical cancer occurrence rates. Inequality in the age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer according to the Human Development Index were assessed by the concentration index. Results: The results showed substantially higher cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates in regions with low and medium Human Development Index compared to regions that had substantially elevated Human Development Index. The death and incidence from cervical cancer were more concentrated in low Human Development Index countries. There was a significant negative association between the cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates with all the components of the Human Development Index, including life expectancy (B= -0.98, P < 0.001), mean years of schooling (B= -1.86, P < 0.001), gross national income (B= -0.38, P < 0.001), urbanization level (B= -0.29, P < 0.001), and age standardized obesity (B= -0.45, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Cervical cancer is a significant public health problem in countries with low Human Development Index and requires the implementation of prevention programs and screening for early detection and treatment.