Health-economic modelling of strategies to manage gynaecologic cancer in developed countries and low resource settings

Cervical cancer is globally the third most common cancer in women, and in South Africa it is more common than breast cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) and both HPV vaccination and population screening for HPV are needed to reduce the incidence. Vaccination programs are conducted in many countries, but need to be completed by screening for the adult population. I will use the STIAS fellowship to conduct healtheconomic modelling of different screening strategies for gynaecologic cancer, in particular cervical cancer, for developed countries and low resource settings. For more than 10 years I have collaborated with Professor Anna-Lise Williamson, University of Cape Town (UCT) and focused on strategies for cervical cancer screening in Sweden and South Africa. The large datasets and experiences we have obtained on different screening strategies in Sweden and South Africa will be used using for health economic modelling, to formulate optimal strategies for different societal settings. The choice of screening system can have dramatic effects on health and the economy of the health care system.