Cervical Screening(Archived)

Excerpt

Cervical cancer is a significant women's health problem worldwide. Most cases of cervical cancer occur in developing countries that have ineffective screening programs. The incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in the United States have been decreasing in the past 30 years due to widespread screening. In the United States, cervical cancer diagnosis is usually in women who have never received screening or received inadequate screening. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common risk factors for cervical cancer. There are over 100 different strains of HPV, and those considered of high risk are involved in the etiology of cancer. Screening guidelines for cervical cancer have been evaluated and adjusted considering the time required for disease progression. Screening methods of cervical cancer include cytology and HPV testing.