International Journal of Molecular Medical Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 264-273 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmms 2 marker screening methods, this research highlights their potential to enhance early detection and improve prevention efforts, ultimately reducing the global burden of cervical cancer. Understanding the significance of these markers in identifying high-risk individuals will support the development of more effective and targeted screening programs, especially in resource-limited settings where traditional methods may be less accessible or feasible. The study will also address the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing genetic marker screening across various healthcare environments, offering guidance for future research and informing public health strategies focused on the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. 2 Current Screening Methods for Cervical Cancer 2.1 Pap smear testing The Papanicolaou (Pap) smear test, introduced in the 1940s, has become a cornerstone of cervical cancer screening, significantly contributing to the reduction of cervical cancer incidence and mortality, especially in high-income countries (Comparetto and Borruto, 2021). This test involves collecting exfoliated cells from the cervix and examining them under a microscope to identify abnormalities that may indicate precancerous changes or early-stage cancer (Figure 1). The Pap smear is particularly effective in detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), enabling early intervention before lesions progress to invasive cancer (AieshaKhatun and Gudi, 2021). Routine Pap smear screening has been linked to a substantial decline in cervical cancer rates in countries with established screening programs, as it facilitates the detection and treatment of lesions at a stage when they are most amenable to intervention (Wardle et al., 2015). In many high-income countries, organized screening programs recommend regular Pap testing every three to five years for women aged 21 to 65, depending on age and risk factors (Bruni et al., 2022). This interval reflects the natural progression of cervical cancer, which typically takes several years to develop from an initial HPV infection to invasive disease. Figure 1 Staging of Cervical Cancer (Adapted from Mustafa et al., 2020) Image caption: The figure illustrates the progression of lesions from early to advanced stages. Early-stage cervical cancer is typically confined to the cervical region, whereas advanced cancer may have invaded the surrounding tissues. The staging in the figure clearly delineates the characteristics of different stages; for example, early stages are mainly limited to the epithelial cells of the cervix, while advanced stages can involve deeper tissue structures. This staging is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer, helping physicians assess the severity of the cancer and develop appropriate treatment plans. The figure also underscores that the progression of cervical cancer is a gradual process, highlighting the importance of early screening and diagnosis (Adapted from Mustafa et al., 2020) Despite its widespread use and success, the Pap smear has several limitations. One major concern is its variable sensitivity, which can range from 50% to 75%, influenced by factors like sample quality, the presence of adequate cellular material, and the expertise of the cytologist interpreting the results (Arbyn et al., 2012). False-negative results can occur, potentially missing cases of high-grade lesions, particularly when cellular abnormalities are subtle or if sampling errors happen during specimen collection. Additionally, the Pap smear is primarily a cytological test that detects morphological changes in cervical cells but does not provide insights into the
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