Carolina Framework

Our strategy is based on a framework for fighting cervical cancer, developed at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. The Carolina Framework identifies four key challenges to eradication of cervical cancer that our comprehensive public health strategy will address:

1. HPV infection. Cervical cancer is caused by persistent HPV infection. HPV vaccination can offer protection against the two HPV types (HPV 16 and 18) responsible for more than 70% of cervical cancers. HPV vaccines are underused among young adolescent females, with under one in two having received at least one dose of the three dose vaccine.
2. Lack of screening. At least 50% of cervical cancer deaths are due to lack of screening. Although cervical cancer screening is highly effective for reducing cervical cancer mortality, between 30% and 50% of women in the United States have not been screened in the last three years.
3. Screening errors. About one third of cervical cancer deaths are due to Pap screening errors. Combining more sensitive HPV testing with Pap testing may increase our ability to detect precancerous lesions.
4. Not receiving follow-up care. One in six cervical cancer deaths are due to lack of follow up for abnormal Pap smear results. This problem particularly affects women from minority groups and rural areas.