Advances in Prevention, Detection of Cervical Cancer in Mexico

As part of World Cervical Cancer Prevention Day, SSA reaffirmed its commitment to preventing, detecting, and treating cervical cancer, as it remains a major public health challenge, especially in low-income regions where limited healthcare access drives higher mortality by over 52%. In 2020, cervical cancer was Mexico's second most diagnosed cancer and cause of cancer death among women. Globally, it ranks fourth, with 604,127 cases and 341,831 deaths annually. 

The disease, which develops from uncontrolled cell growth in the cervix, is strongly linked to persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The disease is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women over 25. In 2022, there were 600,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths globally due to cervical cancer, states Dr. Silvia Fabiola Estrada Rivera, head of the Gynecologic Oncology Department at the National Institute of Perinatology (INPer). 

Over the past decades, mortality rates have declined due to socioeconomic improvements, reduced persistent HPV infection risk, and ongoing early detection efforts. Compared to 2012, there has been a decline in incidence due to cervical cancer. In 2021, IMSS detected 1,155 new cases and reported 1,059 deaths, with an incidence rate of 2.26 per 100,000 and a mortality rate of 5.23 per 100,000. Chiapas had the highest mortality rate in the country at 11.91 per 100,000.

In 2024, IMSS trained 65 pathologists and cytotechnologists at Regional General Hospital No. 1 for early cervical cancer detection, reports MBN. Cervical cancer can be prevented through three key strategies: HPV vaccination, condom use, and timely detection. The HPV vaccine is administered to girls in the fifth grade or those aged 11 who are not enrolled in school. Mexico employs a comprehensive version of the vaccine that protects against high-risk HPV strains (16 and 18) and lower-risk types (6 and 11). Additionally, regular screenings such as Pap tests starting at age 25 and HPV PCR tests from age 35 are available through public health institutions, including the Ministry of Health, IMSS, ISSSTE, and IMSS-Bienestar.

941,700 doses of the HPV vaccine have been administered as part of the National Vaccination Campaign that began in 2024, reports Daniel Aceves, Director General of the National Center for the Health of Children and Adolescents (CENSIA). During the 2025-2026 vaccination campaign, authorities aim to distribute 2.5 million doses, enough to reach 100% of the target population. Aceves adds that over 9,000 workshops have been held across the country's states to promote self-care in sexual and reproductive health, reports MBN. 

The WHO recommends a two-dose HPV vaccination schedule for girls aged 9 to 13 as an effective prevention strategy, along with screening for women aged 30 to 49. Although HPV with 12 oncogenic types, is one of the primary causes of cervical cancer, other risk factors include sexually transmitted infections such as HIV and Chlamydia trachomatis, smoking, multiple pregnancies, and long-term use of oral contraceptives.

Expanding HPV vaccination coverage is a priority, Dr. Estrada Rivera notes, as the vaccine can reduce cervical cancer incidence by up to 80%. Mexico aims to achieve 90% coverage for girls and is also working to immunize boys, who can carry and transmit HPV and develop related cancers. This initiative is intended to lower future cervical cancer rates and protect public health in the long term.

The public healthcare system has advanced tools for diagnosing and treating cervical cancer, including surgical equipment and imaging studies that support procedures such as laser vaporization, cervical conization, cryotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and molecular therapy, affirms SSA.  Authorities encourage women to participate in vaccination campaigns and undergo regular medical checkups, as early detection and timely treatment are critical in reducing cervical cancer cases.