[Epidemiology of cervical cancer (author's transl)]

Abstract

There are remarkable differences of incidence and mortality from cervical cancer between countries and even within small countries. In developed industrial countries, incidence is slowly declining. Age distribution (middle--aged women are mostly afflicted) distinguishes cervical cancer from all other common malignant neoplasms. Known risk factors are: low social class, sexual activity early in youth, instable sexual relationships. Cervical cancer behaves like a veneral disease of low infectious power. Cervical cancer develops stepwise out of epithelial dysplasia and carcinoma in situ. The foundations of a cervical cancer control programme are laid: cytodiagnosis as screening method; well defined high risk groups; effective and not dangerous treatment of prephases and early stages of cancer. In the G.D.R. conditions for effective cancer control are good: cancer registration works stable for more than 20 years; it enables evaluation of effectivity. Cytologic screening can be fully integrated into basic gynecologic care. Medical care including prevention is free of fees and available for all women. The ultimate of goal of a cervical cancer control programme is primary prevention by detection and treatment of preneoplastic lesions (dysplasia and carcinoma in situ).