FAQ: China's Cervical Cancer Trends and Disparities

What are the main findings about cervical cancer trends in China?

China’s age-standardized cervical cancer incidence tripled between 2000 and 2016, then plateaued nationally after 2016. However, significant disparities persist with older women and rural populations continuing to face increasing risks while younger urban women show declining incidence.

Why is China’s cervical cancer situation important globally?

China accounts for nearly one-fifth of the world’s female population, making the country’s progress crucial to global cervical cancer elimination efforts. Despite being one of the most preventable cancers, it remains the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide.

What disparities exist in cervical cancer risk across different populations in China?

Rural women aged 35-64 continue to experience increasing incidence, while women aged 65 and older show steadily rising incidence and mortality in both urban and rural areas. In contrast, urban women under 35 have shown declining incidence since 2009.

How does China’s progress compare to other countries in the Asia-Pacific region?

China’s trends contrast sharply with Australia and the Republic of Korea, which achieved consistent declines through nationwide HPV vaccination and high-quality screening. Japan shows rising incidence, while the Philippines has increasing mortality despite stable incidence.

What are the current coverage rates for cervical cancer prevention in China?

Only about half of women aged 35-64 have been screened, and less than 10% of girls have completed HPV vaccination. These low coverage rates, introduced in 2016, limit progress toward WHO elimination targets.

Who conducted this research and where was it published?

The research was conducted by a team from the National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, and published in Cancer Biology & Medicine on September 15, 2025 (DOI: /10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2025.0386).

What time period does this study cover?

The study examined cervical cancer incidence and mortality trends from 2000 to 2020, analyzing data from 22 long-term cancer registries across China along with international datasets.

What are the implications of these findings for public health policy?

The findings underscore the urgent need for equitable prevention strategies that address the growing risks for older and rural women, including improved access to vaccination, screening, and timely treatment to achieve WHO elimination goals.

What specific age groups show the most concerning trends?

Women aged 65 and older show steadily rising incidence and mortality in both urban and rural areas, while rural women aged 35-64 continue to experience increasing incidence, indicating these older age groups face the greatest risks.