Can we do the same in the developing world?
INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer is among the most dangerous diseases affecting women worldwide. Its effects can be mitigated with a program of regular screening to address cancer and its precursors early. But, prevailing conditions in Latin America and the Caribbean make it difficult to implement successful early detection programs. METHOD: To evaluate the scope of the problem, a review of international cervical cancer data and related literature were surveyed. RESULTS: It was found that cervical cancer affects 37/100,000 women in Latin America, while the incidence is 7.8 in the United States and 8.2 in Canada. CONCLUSION: Funding is needed to raise awareness of cervical cancer in Latin America, as well as to identify other obstacles to the success of screening programs in the region.