Cervical cancer

Cover of a woman's face looking at the camera

At Roche, women's health is a priority, and that starts with cervical cancer.

Challenge

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers today, thanks to vaccination, screening and early treatment. Yet, it remains a leading cause of death in women worldwide, with one woman succumbing to the disease every 2 minutes.

Unlike the majority of cancers, the main cause of cervical cancer is well known with almost all cases caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects most men and women at some point in their lives. But elimination will only come from a comprehensive, triple-intervention strategy of vaccination, advanced screening and diagnostics, and the early treatment of precancerous or cancerous lesions.

Unfortunately, the lack of awareness and access to advanced diagnostic solutions is a crippling issue in the fight against cervical cancer. However, a new era of innovative technologies is transforming cervical cancer screening strategies, paving the way for improved diagnostic and early intervention solutions and accelerating the move towards personalised healthcare.

Focus

We recognise the importance of advanced screenings and reliable diagnostic tests in cervical cancer prevention, especially knowing the critical role played by HPV – a preventable infection for which a vaccine exists – in the progression of the disease. Our scientists work tirelessly to bring new triage and diagnostic test options to women across the world.

Our latest developments in the field of biomarker technology helps identify women most at risk of developing cervical cancer and single out those who may need access to early intervention and treatment options from those who may not. Relying on risk-based assessments of each individual helps women avoid the the potential harms of over-or under-treatment.

The elimination of cervical cancer can be achieved through the powerful integration of diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, data and the evolution of personalised healthcare. Having all areas of expertise under one roof, Roche is uniquely positioned to follow this holistic approach to support the WHO goal of putting all countries on the path to cervical cancer elimination by 2030.