Utilization of A Mass Screening Programme for Cervical Cancer in N.S.W.

Abstract

Summary: An analysis is made of the impact of the mass screening programme for cervical cancer conducted by the N.S.W. Department of Health in the 13‐year period 1962–1974.It is being used efficiently in the younger age groups. This reflects a good acceptance and understanding of the service by the participating doctors, satisfactory communication with their patients, and adequate opportunity to perform the test.The principal and continuing problem is the lack of adequate coverage in older age groups in whom the risk of invasive cancer and death from the disease is highest. It is suggested that this problem be approached by increasing the opportunity for such women to have a smear under circumstances that similar women have found acceptable elsewhere, rather than trying to achieve a similar result by public education programmes within the existing pattern of medical care.