The prevention of cervical cancer: the place of the cytological smear test.

Population screening by cervical cytology, if properly carried out, can substantially reduce mortality and morbidity due to cancer of the cervix. The technique of smear taking requires careful attention as well as maintenance of high standards in cytology screening laboratories. Patients with abnormal cytology are at high risk for cervical cancer and should be managed appropriately and followed up indefinitely. The terminology used in cytology reporting is discussed.