TRACCTION - Towards the elimination of cervical cancer: transdisciplinary science for smarter implementation strategies

In this project, an interdisciplinary team comprising researchers from Swiss and Tanzanian research institutions will work together to identify, understand and appropriately address bottlenecks in the early detection and treatment of cervical pre-cancer in Kilombero District, Tanzania. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected and treated early. The World Health Organization aims to eliminate cervical cancer and has set three interim targets to achieve this goal: 90% of girls to be vaccinated against high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) variants by age 15; 70% of women aged 35-49 to be screened; and 90% of women with precancerous lesions and cancer to be treated by 2030. As it will take long time for HPV vaccination to effectively reduce the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer, early detection and treatment of cervical cancer remains essential. In Tanzania, the screening rate is estimated to be only 11%. In this project, we are bringing together social scientists, clinicians and epidemiologists to better understand the delays in cervical pre-cancer screening uptake, create and analyse a cervical cancer prevention and care cascade that ensures a continuum of care, and examine the health care and psychosocial needs of women seeking treatment for cervical cancer in rural and urban areas in Tanzania. The results will inform the design of policy and program interventions for cervical cancer prevention, screening, and treatment.