Screening for Cervical Cancer, Results from Thailand

Abstract

Pap smears are recommended asa general screening methods to early diagnose cervical cancer in order to decreasemorbidity and or mortality. Women in Thailand have a relatively high risk. Here, the author summarizes reportedresults from cervical screening programs set in Thailand. A total of 101,107 subjects of screening were included.The overall prevalence of cervical cancer was 0.38% (383 cases). The overall prevalence of pre-cancerous cases andother lesions (infection and inflammation) were 2.4% (2,405) and 5.3% (5,358). There was no significant associationbetween the prevalence rate and the region. These results document the importance of cervical cancer in Thailandand the high detection rate of pre-cancerous lesion supports the utility of screening programs for secondary preventionof cervical cancer. Health education seems to play an important role in success of the cervical cancer screeningprogram for Thai females.