Cervical cancer screening programs. II. Screening for carcinoma of the cervix

Abstract

This paper discusses in some detail the underlying philosophy of and justification for cervical cancer screening programs and considers the measures of validity, sources of error and problems associated with these programs. Special attention is given to screening activity in Canada and it is concluded that while it is not possible from the available data to prove or disprove a fall in the incidence of cervical cancer in that country screening has resulted in a significant fall in mortality. Consideration is given to 'low risk' and 'at risk' groups of women and proposals are made for the frequency of screening for the latter group. Information is given of screening programs and their results in the United Kingdom, Holland, Finland and the U.S.A.