Objective: To detect the expression of forkhead box C2 (FOXC2) and E-cadherin (E-cad) in cervical squamous cancer tissues, and to explore the role of FOXC2 and E-cad in the occurrence, invasion and metastasis of cervical cancer. Methods: Immunohistochemical SP method was used to detect the expression of FOXC2 and E-cad in 40 cases of normal cervical tissues, 65 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CIN) tissues, and 78 cases of cervical cancer squamous tissues. The relationships between the two proteins expression and clinical pathological characteristics of cervical cancer were analyzed. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze the correlation of the expression of FOXC2 and E-cad in cervical cancer tissues. Results: The positive expression rate and staining intensity of FOXC2 and E-cad in four tissues of cervical squamous cell carcinoma, CIN II–III group, CIN I group and control group were statistically significant (χ2=49.801, 35.512, P<0.05; F=15.278, 18.375, P<0.05). The expression of FOXC2 and E-cad in cervical carcinoma was related to FIGO stage, depth of invasion and lymph node metastasis (χ2=3.752–9.362, P<0.05). The expressions of FOXC2 and E-cad were negatively correlated in cervical cancer tissues (r=−0.658, P<0.05). Conclusion: FOXC2 shows high expression in cervical squamous cancer tissues, while E-cad is low expressed. Meanwhile, a negative correlation is observed between the two proteins. They may interact in the course of carcinogenesis and development of cervical squamous cancer.