Cervical Cancer Epidemiology: Global Incidence, Mortality, Survival, Risk Factors, and Equity in HPV Screening and Vaccination

Background/Objectives: Cervical cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide, marked by stark geographic and socioeconomic disparities. Preventable via HPV vaccination and screening, progress toward elimination varies widely across and within countries. This narrative review synthesizes the epidemiology, including incidence, mortality, survival, and stage distribution, as well as risk factors and the coverage/equity of HPV screening and vaccination programs. Methods: Comprehensive searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar (no date restrictions; English only). Included were original epidemiological studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and international reports on burden, risk factors, or prevention indicators. Data were qualitatively synthesized into three themes: epidemiological patterns, risk factors, and screening/prevention programs. Results: Persistent high-risk HPV infection causes nearly all cervical cancers, predominantly HPV16/18, with regional variation in other types. Strong co-factors include HIV immunosuppression, early sexual debut, multiple partners, high parity, long-term oral contraceptive use, and smoking. Inequalities in incidence, late diagnosis, and survival are driven by socioeconomic disadvantages, low education, rural residence, and poor health system access. Screening ranges from cytology/VIA to primary HPV testing, but coverage is low and inequitable in high-burden settings. HPV vaccination has expanded yet faces major gaps in low- and middle-income countries. Conclusions: Cervical cancer burden concentrates in low-resource and marginalized populations. Global elimination demands accelerated, equitable scale-up of HPV vaccination and screening, alongside health system strengthening and barrier reduction.