Preventing cervical cancer worldwide

Background For women, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide. This is unfortunate given that cervical cancer can be preventable through screening programs. If cervical cancer occurs and is identified early, it can be cured with radical surgery or aggressive chemoradiation. Objective To review the strategies available to prevent or manage cervical cancer. Methods and Results We will review the global impact of cervical cancer, methods of primary (ie., vaccination) and secondary prevention (ie., cyotology, visual inspection with acetic acid). The important aspects of a screening program will be discussed. Key principals in treatment and management of end stage disease will be reviewed. Conclusions Given that cervical cancer is potentially a preventable disease, global strategies toward assessing vaccines, providing screening programs, making available curative treatment and palliative care must be better implemented. © 2007 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.