Molecular Screening for Cervical Cancer — Time to Give up Pap Tests?

Abstract

In 1943, Papanicolaou and Traut published their famous monograph on vaginal cytology as a screening method for uterine cancer.¹ Since then, the Papanicolaou (Pap) smear has become the most commonly used method to screen for cervical neoplasia, and it is the best screening tool ever introduced for any cancer. The remarkable success achieved in preventing cervical cancer is largely attributable to cytologic screening tests. With the introduction of organized cervical cytologic-screening programs, the incidence of cervical cancer has been dramatically reduced. However, high-quality cytology-based screening programs require highly trained personnel and some specialized equipment. Cytologic screening tests for cervical neoplasia . . .