# Current status and challenges in timely detection of cervical cancer in Mexico: expert consensus

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the challenges in cervical cancer detection in Mexico and suggests ways to improve early screening for better outcomes.

## Contribution

The paper provides evidence-based recommendations to enhance cervical cancer screening programs in Mexico.

## Key findings

- Cervical cancer disproportionately affects vulnerable groups due to inadequate screening programs.
- Current screening tools like cervical cytology and HPV detection are effective but underutilized.
- New biomarkers and automatic HPV detection methods could improve screening coverage.

## Abstract

Cervical cancer is a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries, accounting for 85% of new cases worldwide. Due to poorly organized screening programs, cervical cancer is more likely to develop in vulnerable groups who do not initiate or rarely undergo screening. Cervical cytology and detecting high-risk human papillomavirus types are the recommended screening tools. Further, these strategies allow for accurately identifying women at a higher risk of cervical cancer and establishing screening times. New detection tools, such as novel biomarkers or automatic HPV detection in the vagina or urine, can improve screening coverage. This review aims to identify the challenges faced by detection programs and screening tools in Mexico to provide evidence-based recommendations to improve early detection programs for cervical cancer.