A comprehensive 2026 systematic review reveals a distinct age-related rise in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) among women living with HIV. The highest risk for this precancerous condition was observed in women aged 45-49.
Women with HIV face elevated risks for cervical cancer and recurrent human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. The review analyzed data from over 72,300 women across seven countries. Predicted probabilities for CIN2 or CIN3 showed a substantial increase with age, reaching approximately 58.1% for those aged 45-49.
These findings have directly influenced updated World Health Organization recommendations. It is now advised that cervical cancer screening for women living with HIV should commence at age 25, with subsequent screenings every 3-5 years. This aligns with WHO's global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, which includes targets for HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment.