Abstract

Cervical cancer is a major public health concern worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite its high incidence and mortality rates, cervical cancer is largely preventable through effective screening and vaccination programs. The Papanicolaou (Pap) test, introduced over half a century ago, has significantly reduced the burden of cervical cancer in populations with established screening programs. Additionally, the advent of HPV vaccination has revolutionized primary prevention, targeting the causative agent of cervical cancer. This article explores the complementary roles of Pap smear screening and HPV vaccination in cervical cancer prevention, emphasizing their methodologies, outcomes, and implications for global health.