Cervical cancer screening needs improvement

Ivanhoe, FL

Screening women for cervical cancer pays off with a reduced risk of developing the cancer, but room for improvement still exists in screening programs and methods.

In a study based on data from Swedish registries, researchers found women who failed to have a Pap smear within the recommended three year time frame were 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with the disease and five times more likely to have advanced cancer than women who were screened on time. A Pap smear can identify pre-cancerous cells, leading to early treatment and prevention of cervical cancer.

Still, women found to have abnormal Pap results remained at increased risk for developing cervical cancer. Overall, about 11 percent of all the cases identified in the study occurred in women who had abnormal Pap smears, and these women were more than seven times more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than those with normal results. Improper follow up -- such as not ordering a biopsy for women with abnormal results -- figured into the risk.

The authors say they believe the study points out the need to step-up efforts to ensure all women are screened for cervical cancer and ensure women with abnormal results receive the proper follow up care.

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