[Cancer of the uterine cervix. Historical perspective].

This paper describes the existing etiological paradigms which explain the development of cervical cancer (CACU), and particular, is a review of the historical attempts to explain the occurrence of the disease. Previous analysis concerning the prevalence of CACU in populations has been based on empirical work which can be summarized in several public health models, including: biomedical, hygienist-preventive, epidemiologic, ecologic, and social medical. We conclude that the existing paradigms must be reoriented in order to formulate organized social responses for the control of CACU.