[Results of cancer screening in women (author's transl)]

The results of cancer screening in women were evaluated from 1,1 million investigations during the third quarter of 1971 to the second quarter of 1974. Positive cytological results of the uterine cervix were found in 0,39% on first investigation and in 0,38% on repeat investigations. Positive results in the breast amounted only to a quarter (0,1%) of the frequency of positive cytological results despite the fact that breast cancer occurs more frequently than cervical carcinoma. Only 0,03% positive findings were obtained by digital rectal palpation. The low incidence of the diseases sought for and the partly low sensitivity of the screening methods are responsible for the small numbers of positive findings in early detection investigations and are an indication of the effort involved. Participation of the population in investigations for early detection of cancer is unsatisfactory especially in older age groups with an increased risk.