Cytologic screening for cervical cancer in the Florence District

During the years 1970-1978, 213,575 women living in the Florence District had at least one cytologic smear. The overall incidence ratios were: dysplasia 1.09 0/00, carcinoma "in situ" 1.25 0/00, invasive carcinoma 1.01 0/00. Age of the women attending the service, and incidence ratios according to age groups are examined. Incidence ratios in women who had previous negative smears are calculated; these values seem to fit well with a "false negative model". These results are compared with those reported by other authors, and indications for a new kind of program are suggested.