Characteristics of women reporting cervical screening

The characteristics of women reporting cervical cytology screening has been evaluated using data from control subjects collected in the framework of a case-control study on invasive cervical cancer conducted since 1981 in the greater Milan area. A total of 515 women admitted for nonneoplastic, nongynecologic, nonendocrine-related acute conditions to a network of general and university hospitals were interviewed. The frequency of cervical screening utilization decreased with age: regular screening (greater than or equal to 3 lifetime Pap smears) was reported by 46% of women aged 44 years or less, but only 11% of those aged 65 or more. Married women reported about 50% more frequently occasional (1 or 2) and about three times regular (greater than or equal to 3) cervical screening than unmarried ones. Parous women were more frequently screened, but no trend emerged with number of births. Similarly number of medical consultations in the year before the interview was associated with an increased number of Pap smears. There was no consistent association between number or recency of Pap smears and smoking, sexual habits or education, but women in low social classes tended to be less frequently screened. Ever contraceptive users (oral contraceptives or barrier methods) reported an increased probability to be screened regularly and within two years before the interview.