[The gynecologic check-up]

The feelings that come with the physiological changes, bring young women the awareness for the prophylactic intention of modern medicine. An example of the check-ups is the well accepted ante-natal clinic. The most frequent reason for a young woman to make an appointment with a gynaecologist is the wish to have some sort of contraception. This consultation often means the first chance for a pap smear to be carried out. With the onset of the climacteric is for those who have neglected their earlier screening examinations, the next reason to make an appointment. At this stage the doctor will discuss the possibilities of hormonal substitutive therapy. The need of early diagnosis of cancer should be stressed with regular examination in the following years. In gynaecology the screening tests with the aim of diagnosing precancerous conditions is only possible from the cervix. This being through vaginal cytology and colposcopy. For the early diagnosis of cancer attention to the at risk groups should be observed. Associated with the cervical, endometrial, ovarian, vulvar and breast cancers are phenotypical characteristics. Special attention should be given to the taking of the pap smear. Finally the current value of a mammography will be discussed.