Diagnosis and management of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide, with more than half a million new cases diagnosed in 2005.1 The disease disproportionately affects the poorest regions—more than 80% of cases are found in developing nations, mainly in Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Indian subcontinent.1 Cervical cancer is an important cause of early loss of life as it affects relatively young women. Important advances have taken place in the diagnosis and treatment of this cancer in recent years. Surgery or chemoradiotherapy can cure 80-95% of women with early stage disease (stages I and II) and 60% with stage III disease (table⇓).2 3 4 5