Understanding HPV-Induced Cancers and Investigating the Barriers Faced by Low- and Middle-Income Countries in Prevention and Treatment

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of several cancers, most notably cervical cancer, but also anal, penile, vulvar, vaginal, and oropharyngeal malignancies. While vaccines and screening technologies offer highly effective prevention, the global burden of HPV-induced cancers remains disproportionately high in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This literature review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the types, mechanisms, treatments, and prevention strategies associated with HPV-related cancers, while also highlighting regional disparities in healthcare access and infrastructure. It critically examines the barriers LMICs face in adopting life-saving interventions, such as limited healthcare infrastructure, vaccine hesitancy, funding gaps, and cultural stigma. The review further explores recent scientific and policy advances-including single-dose vaccination, self-sampling HPV tests, and senolytic therapies-that have the potential to reduce global health inequities. By connecting molecular biology with public health systems, this paper underscores the need for interdisciplinary solutions and equity-centered approaches to combat HPV-induced cancers worldwide. The findings emphasize that eliminating cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases is not only a scientific goal but also a moral imperative requiring global collaboration and local action.