A critical evaluation of the status of HPV vaccination in Sao ˜ Paulo State, Brazil

Abstract

Cervical cancer, whose well-recognized etiological agent is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), is responsible for approximately 300,000 deaths worldwide, 80% of cases occurring in developing countries. In Brazil, 17,010 cases were expected, with 2,550 cases in São Paulo State, in 2023. The Papanicolaou test is the diagnostic method for the detection of precancerous lesions of the cervix, and HPV vaccination is now available for prevention. Materials and methods: This is a descriptive and exploratory, retrospective investigation, carried out through analysis of data obtained from Brazilian Information Technology (DATASUS) of the Brazilian Federal Government: Cancer Information System (SISCAN), Brazilian National Immunization Program (PNI) and Mortality Information System (SIM). Electronic Library and data made available by the Government of the State of São Paulo. Results: The number of women in Sao ˜ Paulo State who underwent cytological examinations and histological tests for cervical cancer decreased between the Years 2013 and 2022. Conclusion: The continuous increase in cervical cancer over the study period was probably due to the lack of adherence to the primary and secondary prevention opportunities offered by the Public Health Authorities.