Cervical Cytology in Zambia

Abstract

Cancer of the cervix was the commonest type of female cancer reported over the five year period 1968-1972 in the Southern Cancer Registry of Zambia. The problem of cervical cancer in Zambia is discussed. The pathogenesis of carcinoma of the cervix is described and the benefits of cervical cytology are highlighted. The role of cervical cytology in the context of a developing country is also discussed and a plea is made for a selective mass screening programme, the objective of which will be to limit and prevent cancer of the cervix. The establishment of a Central Cytology Laboratory at the University Teaching Hospital is described in some detail. This service could be extended in stages until it is possible to screen all vemen over the age of 20 years, at least every 3 years.