Cervical cancer, a major global health challenge, is closely linked to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The effectiveness of cervical cancer prevention and early detection strategies has improved significantly with advancements in screening and vaccination. Regular screening, primarily through Pap smear tests and HPV DNA testing, has proven essential. These methods enable early detection of precancerous changes, reducing cervical cancer rates. The introduction of HPV vaccines marks a milestone in cervical cancer prevention. Vaccines like Gardasil and Cervarix target high-risk HPV strains responsible for most cervical cancers. Studies indicate that vaccination, especially when administered before HPV exposure, drastically reduces HPV prevalence and consequently, the risk of cervical cancer. Public health campaigns play a pivotal role in promoting awareness, improving screening and vaccination access, and addressing social stigma. Future directions in cervical cancer prevention include the development of more effective vaccines and the exploration of self-sampling methods for HPV testing, which could increase screening rates. The integration of these strategies — screening, vaccination, and public health initiatives — forms a comprehensive approach to mitigate the global impact of cervical cancer.
