Evolution of the public health system in Brazil versus the current stage of cervical cancer prevention in young women and adolescents

Cervical cancer is a public health problem worldwide, which is associated, in many cases, with infection by human papilloma virus. The Papanicolau test is still the main tool for screening precursor lesions; however, in Brazil, this diagnosis and preventive means is recommended only for women aged between 25 and 64 years. This study intends to provide a critical review/update on the evolution and principles of the Brazilian public health system regarding the current situation of cervical cancer prevention in young women and adolescents. In Brazil, health problems, which in the colonial period were mainly caused by pestilential diseases, are currently represented by emergent chronic diseases such as cancer. In addition, the scientific literature reports alarming rates in the country of cervical-vaginal cytological changes in young women and adolescents, with serious aggravations in this context. Therefore, health management in Brazil requires large adjustments, mainly aimed at greater inclusion of women and girls aged 10 to 24 in programs for early diagnosis of cervical cancer.