Uterine cervical cancer screening in kitakyushu city: Present and future

Abstract

Uterine cervical cancer is the most common primary gynecologic malignant tumor in Japan. Conventionalcervical screening Papanicolaou (Pap) test has been shown to be extremely effective in reducing cervicalcancer incidence and mortality, but the consultation rate for cancer screening in Japan is markedly low, at 20% ofprescribed subjects, in comparison with other developed countries. In 2001, 15,501 women (6.8%) received a Paptest in Kitakyushu City, and that was less than half of national average. From 2009, free coupons for uterine cervicalcancer screening were distributed to Japanese woman who were 20,25, 30, 35 or 40 years of age as part of the projectfor women-specific cancer screening. The rate of participation in Pap testing was 22.3% in 2012, with 31,970women receiving cervical tests. It was almost as high as the national level. It's obvious that high risk human papillomavirus(HPV) is responsible for cervical cancer incidence and HPV mainly infects through sexual practice. Therate of early cervical neoplasms and invasive cancers is currently increasing in young women. Abnormal Pap testswere detected in 2.3% of the women in 2008. To increase the population's participation in this screening process,a cost-effective and efficient system should be established. National and local governments, medical institutions,companies, and educational institutions must have an accurate understanding of the current situation, and take anassertive approach in order to decrease the mortality rate of uterine cervical cancer.