European Cancer Summit 2022 submission for HPV Action NetworkHPV SCREENING FOR CERVICAL CANCER USING THE SELF-SAMPLING MODEL IN UKRAINE DURING THE WAR

Abstract

BackgroundThe Covid pandemic and the war created the conditions for the growth of cancer in Ukraine. Violence against women and mass migration of the population have increased the risk of HPV infection in the population, which may provoke a surge in the incidence of cervical cancer shortly (1). MethodsIn the front-line city of Zaporizhzhia (eastern Ukraine), HPV screening for cervical cancer was organized using the Self-sampling model from the first weeks of the war. Women aged 25-60 were offered to take part in the screening at the refugee reception centre where they received humanitarian assistance.For Self-sampling, the Swedish test Qvintip Aprovix AB (2) was used. Screening participants returned the test through volunteers to a certified PCR laboratory, where they tested viral DNA for six oncogenic HPV strains. Women received a response with further recommendations for monitoring and treatment via SMS or email.The organization and financing of screening in Ukraine during the war were taken over by the charitable foundation "World Against Cancer". ResultsConsent for HPV screening was obtained from 180 women. A positive result of HPV testing was obtained in 12 (6.7%) women. Systematic analysis of screening results and the use of "Test and treat" tactics is the subject of our further research. ConclusionsDue to the small number of participants in the program and the short follow-up period, it is not yet possible to conclude the impact of the war on the risk of developing cervical cancer in Ukrainian women. Our pilot study showed that the Self-sampling model is the most optimal for HPV screening in a military conflict. However, this model can only be applied after the end of active hostilities in the region and the low probability of a missile and bomb strike on the city, when relative stability sets in after the phase of a humanitarian catastrophe.This model of cancer prevention can also be used during the mass migration of refugees in the aftermath of environmental disasters as part of a program of humanitarian assistance to the population.