THE ROLE OF MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS AND BIOMARKERS IN TRANSFORMING CERVICAL CANCER MANAGEMENT

Cervical cancer is the fourth leading kind of cancer in women all over the world. More than 570,000 new cases and 311,000 deaths were registered in 2019, most in middle- and lower-income nations. The main reason is chronic infection with HPV infection, particularly types 16 and 18. Although the use of Pap smears and HPV testing has improved the survival rates, health inequities still allow high rates to be seen in many countries. A new development which comprises a short course of chemotherapy before chemo radiation is showing much promise, as it has reduced mortality rates by 40% and recurrence by 35%. Biochemical and hormonal markers are important in cervical cancer control.