Bladder cancer screening in the United Kingdom

Attempts to control industrial bladder cancer in the United Kingdom started with studies in the 1920s and 1930s among workers in the dye manufacturing industry. Annual cystoscopy examinations were attempted in some work forces. In addition, studies on microscopic hematuria were under way when Papanicolaou's method was published. In the United Kingdom this method was tested and refined and became standardized. Use of the Papanicolaou method spread through the high-risk industries, including dye manufacture, some other parts of the organic chemical industry, and rubber-related industries. Current mandatory screening programs in the United Kingdom are summarized, and consideration is given as to how screening might be changed in the future. Clinical practice associated with bladder cancer screening is reviewed. The identification of possible new high-risk groups is used to highlight future trends.