Why women still die from cervical cancer

Cervicovaginal cytology, known as Pap smear, is the most effective screening test in medical oncology. Introduced by Dr. George Papanicolaou in 1940, the Pap smear is now being recognized as a major contributor to the remarkable decrease in cervical cancer morbidity and mortality among women throughout the world. However, there are still significant numbers of women who lose their lives to cervical cancer every day. To overcome this major problem, first, we must search for the reasons for these lost lives and then take appropriate measures to resolve the existing issues. There is now substantial evidence that emphasizes the importance of an effective screening program. This program must integrate education and accessibility to health care for all women regardless of age, race, ethnic background and socioeconomic status. The public, the media, the government and health care providers must also become acutely aware of the inherent difficulties involved in providing a high-quality Pap smear. Compounded by medicolegal pressures and reimbursement issues, the Pap smear has become one of the more difficult tests to perform. Current reimbursement mechanisms are not appropriate for the cost of providing the service and cannot guarantee the resources necessary for a high-quality Pap smear. Congress should consider mandating direct billing to the patient for the service, so that cervicovaginal cytology could be reimbursed on a level commensurate with the requirements of providing quality service. A concerted effort should also be made to enhance the level of public knowledge about the issues surrounding Pap smear. This could be achieved by fostering the idea of designating a "Cervical Cancer Awareness Month," and by encouraging the spirit of community networking.