Trends in high-risk human papillomavirus infection and cervical cytology of women in Karamay City, 2012-2021

Background. To describe the changes in cervical lesions prevalence and high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infections from 2012 to 2021, which have never been reported before, to provide direction for the effective implementation of cervical cancer prevention measures. Methods. This retrospective study included women aged > 25 years who received either organised or opportunistic cervical HR-HPV screening from January 2012 to December 2021 in Karamay Central Hospital, Karamay, China. The patients were split into four groups according to age 25-35, 36-45, 46-55 and > 55 years, respectively. The Joinpoint Regression Program was used to analyse the trends of HR-HPV infection and the detection of cervical lesions. Results. Data from 85,429 women revealed a decline in HR-HPV infection rates across all age groups from 2012 to 2021. Although HR-HPV infection rates decreased, cervical lesion detection rates increased, although the proportion of cervical cancer in these lesions declined, likely due to enhanced awareness and HPV vaccination in Karamay. From 2012 to 2021, the prevalence of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions was 9.70%, and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions was 5.85%. HR-HPV infections were highest in the >= 55 years age group, with HPV52 (20.96%) being the most prevalent type. Conclusions. In the past 10 years, the prevalence of HR-HPV infection has shown a decreasing trend, whereas the detection prevalence of cervical lesions has shown an upward trend among women in Karamay City. Importantly, particular emphasis should be placed on cervical cancer screening in women aged > 55 years.