Abstract
<jats:p>Cervical cancer screening has undergone significant changes in recent decades, largely driven by the incorporation of molecular technologies, particularly human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing. As persistent infection with oncogenic HPV types constitutes the central causal factor for the development of most cervical cancers, the focus of screening has progressively shifted from the morphological detection of cellular abnormalities to the identification of underlying biological risk. In this context, HPV DNA testing has been recommended in various settings as a primary screening method, partially or progressively replacing conventional cytology, as it offers greater sensitivity for detecting high-grade precursor lesions and provides longer-lasting protection following a negative result. This study aimed to analyze the main updates in cervical cancer screening based on HPV DNA testing, highlighting scientific evidence, international recommendations, and implications for clinical practice. It is a narrative literature review developed from guidelines, reviews, and relevant studies on cervical screening. The findings indicate that HPV DNA testing enhances early detection capacity, supports longer screening intervals, and underpins new triage and follow-up algorithms. It is concluded that its incorporation represents an important advancement in cervical cancer prevention, although its implementation depends on programmatic reorganization, diagnostic infrastructure, and equitable access.</jats:p>