Introduction Due to the high prevalence of risk factors like early marriage, multiparity, low socioeconomic status, and limited screening, Bangladesh has a high burden of cervical cancer. Through a gender lens and an intersectional framework, this study seeks to understand the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer.

Methods The study was held at four hospitals, namely Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital, Dhaka Medical College, and Mymensingh Medical College. Using a mixed methods approach, 174 clinically diagnosed patients were surveyed, and 22 qualitative interviews were conducted. Quantitative data were analyzed using inferential statistics, and qualitative data using thematic analysis.

Results Poverty, along with other sociocultural practices like early marriage (92%) and high parity (36%), were identified to increase the vulnerability of women to cervical cancer. The study also identified multiple challenges patients with cervical cancer face during the diagnosis and treatment phases, such as financial and psychological. The risk was found in women in rural areas (OR=0.4; 95% CI: 0.168–0.799) compared to women in urban areas and those who faced financial constraints with beginning treatment compared to those who already began treatment (OR=1.0; 95% CI: 1.000 -1.018). The identified psychological difficulties included harmful social norms and fear of recurrence.

Conclusion/Implications Economic and psychological vulnerability integrates with critical insights of intersectionality, which makes women more likely to develop cervical cancer and face difficulties after diagnosis.