Cervical cancer: Why a largely preventable disease still kills a woman every two minutes

Every two minutes, somewhere in the world, a woman dies of cervical cancer — a statistic that starkly captures one of global health’s most persistent failures. According to the World Health Organization, cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, despite being both preventable and treatable. The tragedy lies not in medical ignorance, but in unequal access — to vaccines, screening, and timely treatment — especially in low- and middle-income countries.

What exactly is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer begins in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Unlike many aggressive cancers, it does not appear overnight. It develops slowly, over years, starting with abnormal changes in cervical cells known as precancerous lesions.

If these abnormal cells are detected early, they can be treated easily. When they are not, the disease progresses, invades surrounding tissues, and can spread to distant organs — making treatment far more complex and survival rates much lower.

The central role of HPV in causing cervical cancer

Nearly 99% of cervical cancer cases are caused by long-term infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is extremely common and spreads through sexual contact. Most sexually active people are infected at some point, often without symptoms, and in most cases the immune system clears the virus naturally.

The danger arises when high-risk HPV types — particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18 — persist in the body. These strains produce proteins that interfere with normal cell growth in the cervix, triggering uncontrolled division and, eventually, cancer.

Why cervical cancer is especially dangerous

Cervical cancer’s lethality stems less from biology than from invisibility and inequality.

In its early stages, the disease usually causes no symptoms. By the time warning signs such as bleeding after sex, between periods, or after menopause appear, the cancer is often advanced. This late detection sharply reduces treatment effectiveness.

The disease also affects women in their most productive years, typically between 30 and 50. Unlike many cancers that primarily strike the elderly, cervical cancer often claims the lives of young mothers, amplifying its social and economic impact.

The HIV connection and accelerated disease progression

Cervical cancer is closely linked to HIV. Women living with HIV are about six times more likely to develop cervical cancer than those without it. HIV weakens the immune system, allowing HPV infections to persist and progress more rapidly.

In women with healthy immunity, cervical cancer may take 15–20 years to develop. In women with untreated HIV, this process can take just 5–10 years. This overlap explains why cervical cancer remains the leading cancer killer of women in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV prevalence is high.

Why a preventable cancer still kills so many

The tools to defeat cervical cancer are well known: HPV vaccination, regular screening, and early treatment of precancerous lesions. Yet most deaths occur in countries where these tools are least accessible.

Many low- and middle-income countries lack widespread HPV vaccine coverage, organised screening programmes, and affordable treatment facilities. The result is a cruel paradox — a cancer that is preventable and treatable continues to kill because health systems fail to reach women in time.

Warning signs that should not be ignored

Because early cervical cancer is silent, routine screening is essential. When symptoms do appear, they may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, foul-smelling or blood-stained discharge, pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse.

In advanced stages, women may experience back or leg pain, leg swelling, and problems with urination or bowel movements. Any of these symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation, as early diagnosis dramatically improves survival.

How the world plans to eliminate cervical cancer

The World Health Organization has laid out a clear, evidence-based strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2030. It rests on three pillars: vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV, screening 70% of women at least once in midlife, and treating 90% of women diagnosed with precancer or cancer.

If achieved, these targets could prevent millions of deaths over the coming decades. The science is settled; the challenge is political will, financing, and health system delivery.

The deeper lesson cervical cancer teaches

Cervical cancer is not just a medical problem — it is a mirror reflecting global inequities. Where women have access to vaccines, screening, and care, the disease is disappearing. Where they do not, it remains a leading killer.

Ending cervical cancer is one of the clearest opportunities in global health: a chance to prove that prevention, equity, and early care can save lives at scale. The question is no longer whether it can be done, but whether the world chooses to do it.