The value of a Pap smear program and suggestions for its implementation.

The cervical cancer screening program in the Province of British Columbia has been operating since 1949. In the opinion of the author, it has contributed substantially to the reduction in incidence and mortality of clinical squamous carcinoma of the cervix. The data base of the program has allowed the author to observe changes in the age-specific rates of preclinical carcinoma. The author has also been able to make some observations about the periodicity of Pap smear examinations. The organization of the colposcopy program in the province are discussed as is the effect of this new treatment on the data resulting from the program.