Distribution and Comparison of Human Papilloma Virus Genotype in Cervical Cancer in Ecological Region of Nepal

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide, affecting an estimated 490,000 women each year, and causing 270,000 deaths annually. About 85% of this global burden of cervical cancer is experienced in sub-Saharan Africa, South and South-East Asia, Oceania, Central, and South America and the Caribbean. Although cervical cancer risk has substantially declined among women in developed countries due to effective cervical cytology screening programs, cervical cancer continues to be the most common cause of premature death among middle-aged women in their most productive years and the largest single cause of year life lost to cancer in developing countries.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where resources for cancer prevention programs are often less. According to the most recent report available, from NCRP 2005, cervical cancer accounts for 21.4% of all cancer in women of Nepal, appearing most frequently in women aged 35–64. It is the second most common after lung cancer in both men and women. To date, the information on HPV in Nepal is limited. There is considerable variation in the number of cervicovaginal and cervical cancer reports across Nepal, with most reports originating from hospital-based registries in selected urban areas because there is no national cancer registry.

We aimed to detect the most common virus (Human Papillomavirus) responsible for cervical cancer in women. The samples were collected from 15 to 65 years of women within the reproductive age group after the informed consent form. Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) was performed followed by a Pap smear. Moreover, the sample with abnormal or unusual cells found during your Pap smear will be further interpreted through molecular examination.

Accordingly, the study will be helpful for the management of disease and prevention of risk factors to minimize the disease burden area in Nepal and other parts of the world. Findings will be disseminated through various means of communication like conferences, publications, and books.