Policy brief on cervical cancer in Mexico
What are the main challenges in improving outcomes for cervical and endometrial cancer in Mexico, and what should policymakers prioritize?
Our new policy brief provides an overview of the current situation and identifies concrete opportunities to improve prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment. The potential for progress is considerable: almost all cervical cancer cases could be prevented through HPV vaccination, screening and timely treatment of precancerous lesions, while at least 35% of endometrial cancer cases could potentially be prevented by addressing overweight, obesity and physical inactivity.
Yet important gaps remain. In 2023, only 31% of women aged 25–64 reported having had a Pap test and 16% an HPV test, with lower coverage among women from lower socioeconomic groups. Diagnostic delays are another concern: one study cited in the report found a median of 99 days to reach a cervical cancer diagnosis, with many women passing through several consultations and services before reaching an oncology center.
The policy brief calls for action across the whole care pathway: stronger governance, data and accountability; a sustained “prevention first” approach; wider use of HPV testing and self-sampling; faster diagnostic and treatment pathways; and more timely and equitable public access to therapeutic innovations.
The analysis builds on targeted literature searches together with insights from six local experts, who met in January 2026 to discuss and validate the challenges and opportunities identified for Mexico.
The report is written in Spanish
Download Policy Briefs about cervical cancer:
For more information please contact Andrea Manzano
Policy Brief Cervical Cancer Mexiko (Cáncer cervicouterino y de endometrio en México:mejorar la atención e impulsar cambios en políticas públicas), IHE 2026, Lund, Sweden
Cite: Manzano A, Hofmarcher T. Cervical and Endometrial Cancer in Mexico: Improving Care and Driving Public Policy Change. Policy Brief Cervical Cancer Mexico, IHE 2026, Lund, Sweden.
