Prevalence of pre-cancerous lesions and cervical cancer in South Africa--a multicentre study.

Abstract

These data indicate that cancer of the cervix is a common disease and that, similar to other countries, it is a disease of older women. These data give some positive indicators for future screening--older women will present for screening and the majority of women received their results. However, improvements in health system functioning are needed. A uniform national cytology reporting system is required as well as clear guidelines for providers on what action to take based on cytology reports. Linkage between the site of screening and treatment centre is inadequate and requires urgent attention in order to decrease cervical cancer mortality.