HPV Prevalence in Albania: What the Data Shows

HPV (human papillomavirus) infection is a significant public health issue in Albania. Published studies report HPV prevalence among Albanian women between 15.1% and 43.9%, depending on the age group studied and the testing method used.

In a study of 2,075 cervical smears in Tirana, HPV positivity was 43.9%, with a mean age of 35.5 years. Among the HPV-positive women, 19% had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

A separate study of 357 Albanian women found HPV 16 to be the most commonly detected type, followed by HPV 6 and HPV 18.

HPV positivity among Albanian women: 43.9% in a study of 2,075 cervical smears in Tirana

Cervical cancer in Albania

According to the ICO/IARC HPV Information Centre country report, cervical cancer is among the most frequently diagnosed cancers in Albanian women, and ranks higher still among women aged 15–44.

The national screening programme

Albania launched a national cervical cancer screening programme in 2019, initially targeting women aged 40–50. Screening is offered free of charge in public health centres.

What this means for you

A positive HPV test does not mean cancer. Most infections are cleared by the immune system within one to two years. What matters is the type of the virus and regular follow-up.

If your test is positive or you have visible lesions, an assessment determines whether colposcopy, closer monitoring or treatment is needed. The plan depends on the HPV type, the cytology result and your history.

Sources

  • Kone ES, Balili AD, Paparisto PD, Ceka XR, Petrela ED. Vaginal infections of Albanian women infected with HPV and their impact in intraepithelial cervical lesions evidenced by Pap test. Journal of Cytology. 2017;34(1):16–21. PubMed 28182076
  • Hancer VS, Buyukdogan M, Bylykbashi I, Oksuz B, Acar M. Prevalence of human papilloma virus types in Turkish and Albanian women. Journal of Cytology. 2018;35(4):252–254. PubMed 30498300
  • ICO/IARC HPV Information Centre. Albania: human papillomavirus and related cancers, fact sheet. hpvcentre.net

Medically reviewed by Asst. Prof. Eser Ağar, MD · 14 September 2026