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Cervical cancer screening. Who needs a Pap test? How often?
Postgraduate Medicine
|December 1, 1985
Summary
Cervical cancer screening programs significantly lower cancer incidence and mortality. Healthcare providers should promote participation in these vital screening efforts for all women.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Preventive Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Cervical cancer and its preinvasive stages are detectable through cytologic screening.
- Existing evidence supports the effectiveness of screening programs in reducing cervical cancer rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of cervical cytologic screening programs.
- To encourage physician advocacy for patient participation in screening.
Main Methods:
- Review of evidence on the impact of cytologic screening programs.
- Recommendations for physician practices regarding screening.
Main Results:
- Widespread cytologic screening markedly reduces cervical cancer incidence.
- Screening programs are effective in lowering mortality rates from cervical cancer.
Conclusions:
- Physicians should actively encourage female patients to engage in cervical cytologic screening.
- Family practitioners and internists should utilize opportunities to obtain Pap smears during non-gynecologic visits.