Impact of a cytologic screening program on a gynecologic malignancy service

✍ Scribed by Sanford Sall; Albert Pineda; Alexander Sedlis; Martin L. Stone

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1968
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 495 KB
• Volume: 22
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0008-543X
• DOI: 10.1002/1097-0142(196811)22:6<1120::aid-cncr2820220606>3.0.co;2-n

✦ Synopsis

A comprehensive cytologic screening program has been instrumental in the increased case finding and decreased mortality of patients with cervical cancer in a high risk population. In the 7 years of operation, 94,778 smears have been examined and 2327 atypical, 529 suspicious, and 133 positive cytologic examinations have resulted. During this period, there has been a reversal of the former predominance of invasive : in-situ lesions, and a n associated redistribution in the stage of tumor exhibited. T h e multiple impact of a n efficient cancer control program on a gynecologic malignancy service has necessitated modification in the therapy of cervical malignancy, in subsequent patient follow-up, and in the training program.

YTOLOGIC SCREENING IS A T PRESENT THE CYN-C ecologist's most effective method for cancer detection. T h e use of the Papanicolaou test has been especially rewarding in high risk groups who are predisposed to carcinoma of the cervix. With the primary prevention of cancer still in the future, all efforts have now been directed toward the diagnosis of this disease in an early stage so that prompt and effective therapy can be provided.

In 1960, a cervical cancer detection program was initiated at the New York Medical College-Metropolitan Hospital Medical Center. This hospital-centered cancer control program was supported by the New York City Department of Health and the United States Public Health Service. Existing hospital facilities, clinic space, medical and nursing personnel have served the needs of this project without disturbing the normal hospital routine. Every female out-patient treated by our department and a random group attending other clinics have had uterine cytologic testing. I n late 1965, this concept of cervical cancer detection was broad-