'Worse than HIV' or 'not as serious as other diseases'? Conceptualization of cervical cancer among newly screened women in Zambia

► This study explored the conceptualization of cervical cancer among women screened for cervical lesions in Lusaka, Zambia. ► Illness descriptions integrated local knowledge and elements of promotional messages. ► Some, but not all women expressed being less fatalistic about cervical cancer than in the past. ► Screening was seen as only one of several means to gain control over cervical cancer. ► Illness representations did not differ by HIV status, though HIV-infected women were more assertive in managing their health.