Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, despite also being one of the most preventable and treatable. Most deaths from cervical cancer could be avoided if women underwent regular cervical screening and received the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Suboptimal education, fear and embarrassment, as well as cultural traditions, are some of the issues that can prevent women from accessing HPV vaccination and cervical screening. This article identifies the causes, signs and symptoms of cervical cancer and discusses preventive and educational strategies. The authors also explore some of the challenges that prevent women from attending cervical screening or receiving the HPV vaccine, as well as examining some of the innovations that aim to reduce these challenges.