Cervical cancer screening

Objective. To estimate the prevalence of Papanicolaou (Pap) and human papillomavirus (HPV) test use before and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Materials and methods. We analyzed the use of Pap and/or HPV screening tests by women 25-64 years, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys in 2018 and 2021-2023. Results. Pap use decreased from 34.6% in 2018 to 24.9% in 2021, recovering to 31.5% in 2023. Similarly, HPV use decreased from 12.7% in 2018 to 11% in 2021, increasing to 16.0% in 2023. Greater use of cervical cancer screening was observed at higher socioeconomic levels and urbanization. Conclusions. Improved regulatory guidelines are needed to achieve efficient and effective screening and follow-up of cervical cancer in Mexico.