[The efficacy of mass screening for uterine cancer]

Mass screening for uterine cancer, mainly by cytological examination, has been conducted since 1962. The total number of examinees has been increasing and has remained at the same level for the last decade. The coverage rate of screening is only 16%, much lower than the target rate of screening, at present. According to the increase in the number of examinees, the mortality has fallen gradually, because the patients with cancer detected early on are increased and treated successfully with better QOL. However, there are some problems, as follows. 1) Although the coverage rate among the first-time examinee, women in their 30s and 70s are lower than the other groups, the rate of dysplasia and uterine cancer detected among them, are higher. 2) False, negative rate of cytology is relatively high. It is suggested the systemic mass screening is effective to reduce mortality from uterine cancer. It is necessary, however, to improve and certify the further efficacy of screening in reduction of mortality of uterine cancer, referring to procedures of cytology, especially for early detection of adenocarcinoma, and registration system from the point of cost-effectiveness.