Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Brazil and worldwide, despite being largely preventable through regular and effective screening. This study, through a literature review, analyzes the socioeconomic barriers that hinder early screening, highlighting their impacts on both female mortality and public health costs. The analysis, based on a literature review of primary and secondary data, indicates that strengthening organized screening programs and HPV vaccination campaigns not only reduces mortality but also represents a cost-effective strategy given the expenses associated with treating advanced stages of the disease. The results highlight the importance of targeted public policies that consider regional and socioeconomic inequalities in access to prevention. The study contributes to the debate on prevention as an instrument for reducing inequalities and for economic sustainability in the health system.
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