Mass cytologic screening for cervical carcinoma in China. A review of 7,735,057 reported cases.

A review was made of cervical carcinoma screening in 7,735,057 cases based on 140 reports from 25 provinces and autonomous regions in the People's Republic of China. The average prevalence rate of carcinoma of the cervix was 138.74/10(5); the rate was higher in the mountainous districts, and was related to the early age of marriage, the number of children delivered and the existence of cervical lesions. Proper preventive measures imposed by the government, early detection and early treatment have brought about a marked decline of the prevalence and mortality rates. The repeated mass cytologic screenings have made radical cure of this disease possible. Concurrent geographic clustering of carcinomas of both the cervix and penis have been noted, and screening of spouses has been started.