Cervical & HPV-
related cancers
In South Africa approximately 10 000 new cases and 5 800 deaths are recorded per annum. The burden of cervical cancer has major implications on the physical, psychological, and socio-economic status of the affected women, her family, the community, and an increased workload on the health system.
Cervical cancer is one of the
most preventable and treatable cancers,
yet it remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in South Africa.
This stark reality reflects deep inequities in access to HPV vaccination, screening, early diagnosis, and timely treatment, particularly for women reliant on the public health system. Cancer Alliance prioritises Cervical and HPV-related Cancers as a strategic advocacy focus because effective prevention and early intervention can dramatically reduce illness and death.
Our work targets policy gaps, implementation failures, and system delays across the entire care pathway from vaccination and screening to diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Through evidence-based advocacy, legal and policy reform, and community engagement, we work to ensure that cervical cancer prevention and care are accessible, equitable, and implemented at scale, leaving no woman behind.
Cervical Cancers
We have the
science, we need the political will.
Globally, every 2 minutes, 9 women are dying of cervical cancer. Approximately 604 000 new cases and 342 000 deaths are reported annually. In Sub-Saharan Africa we have one women dying every 72 minutes.
From Evidence to Equity: Integrating HPV Self-Sampling into Women’s Health Strategies
Equitable access to cancer screening is a matter of justice, dignity, and the right to health. In South Africa, many women remain excluded from cervical cancer screening due to systemic barriers such as distance to facilities, stigma, cost, health system capacity, and unequal service delivery across provinces.
Self-sampling
Integrating HPV self-sampling into national women’s health strategies offers a proven, rights-based approach to addressing these inequities. Self-sampling expands access to screening for underserved and hard-to-reach populations, supports earlier diagnosis, and reduces dependence on facility-based services that often fail women relying on the public health system.
Advocating for life-saving diagnostics
Cancer Alliance advocates for the adoption of self-sampling as part of a just and equitable cervical cancer prevention strategy, one that removes structural barriers, strengthens early detection, and ensures that all women, regardless of where they live or their socio-economic status, can access life-saving diagnostics.
Prevention Without Discrimination: The Case for Gender-Neutral HPV Vaccination
HPV is not a women’s issue, it is a public health issue that affects people of all genders. While HPV vaccination is essential for preventing cervical cancer, it also protects against anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers, as well as genital warts, which disproportionately affect men, people living with HIV, and sexually diverse populations.
A gender-neutral HPV vaccination strategy strengthens population-level protection, reduces transmission, and advances cancer prevention across the life course. In a society committed to equity, dignity, and non-discrimination, prevention strategies must reflect the realities of sexual diversity and the heightened vulnerability of people living with HIV.
Cancer Alliance advocates for an integrated, inclusive HPV prevention approach that moves beyond gendered assumptions, removes stigma, and ensures that no one is excluded from life-saving prevention because of who they are or whom they love.
WHO Cervical Cancer Elimination Targets: 90–70–90 The World Health Organization has set clear global targets to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. By 2030, countries should aim to ensure that
- 90% of girls are fully vaccinated against HPV,
- 70% of women are screened with a high-performance test, and
- 90% of those identified with disease receive appropriate treatment and care.
Achieving the 90–70–90 targets requires strong political will, equitable access to prevention and diagnostics, and health systems that reach women across all communities.
Cancer Alliance advocates for policies and implementation strategies that translate these global commitments into real, measurable progress for women in South Africa.
Useful links
A life dedicated to Cervical Cancer
In honour
of Prof.
Lynette Denny.
The late Professor Lynette Denny dedicated her life to fighting cervical cancer. This call is dedicated to her.
