Detection and prevention of uterine cancer

The two major uterine cancers, squamous carcinoma of the cervix and adenocarcinoma of the endometrium, are highly vulnerable to detection technology and, therefore, secondary prevention. High risk groups for each have been defined, cancer precursors described, i.e., dysplasia of the cervix and adenomatous hyperplasia of the endometrium, and efficient screening methods made available. For the cervical tumor cytologic testing is most appropriate, while histologic screening is more efficient for endometrial precursor lesions. The strategies of approach of these accessible tumors are models for detection and prevention methods elsewhere in the body and we should exploit them to virtual eradication of these uterine tumors.