Cervical cytology and HPV distribution in Cape Verde: A snapshot of a country taken during its first HPV nation-wide vaccination campaign

Abstract

Cervical cancer ranks as the third most common female cancer in Cape Verde and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the country. While Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, which started in 2021, is anticipated to significantly reduce disease incidence, cervical screening remains crucial for non-vaccinated women. We retrospectively reviewed gynecologic cytology exams and HPV tests performed in Cape Verde between 2017 and April 2023 and processed at IMP Diagnostics. For this study, we considered 13035 women with cytology examinations performed and, 2013 of these, also with an HPV molecular test. Cytology diagnostics comprised 83 % NILM cases; 12 % ASC-US; 2.7 % LSIL; 1.2 % ASC-H; 0.5 % HSIL and 0.1 % SCC. In 505 (25.1 %) high-risk HPV infection was detected. Prevalence of HPV infection varied with age, peaking at young ages - ≤24 years old (55.5 %) and 25-35-year-old women (31.5 %) - and the lowest after 66 years old (9.7 %). Herein we present a comprehensive study regarding Cape Verde's cervical cytology and HPV distribution, aiming to provide a snapshot of the country's cervical cytology results and HPV distribution in recent years. Moreover, these data may contribute to establish a baseline to assess, in the future, the vaccination impact in the country.