About

It is predominantly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. The disease often progresses slowly and may not cause any symptoms in the early stages, leading to its frequent recognition at a more advanced stage. Common symptoms include abnormal bleeding, pain during sexual intercourse, and pelvic pain. Risk factors for the development of cervical cancer include early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, smoking, a compromised immune system, and long-term use of oral contraceptives. Routine screening practices such as Pap smears and HPV testing have significantly reduced the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer in developed countries. Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these modalities. Efforts to prevent cervical cancer include vaccination against HPV, promotion of safe sexual practices, and regular screenings. Vaccines such as Gardasil and Cervarix protect against the most common cancer-causing HPV strains. Despite significant advances in prevention and treatment, cervical cancer remains a major global health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where access to screening and treatment is limited. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set forth global goals to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030.