Organization and evolution of organized cervical cytology screening in Thailand

ObjectiveTo describe phase 1 of an organized cytology screening project initiated in Thailand by the Ministry of Public Health and the National Health Security Office.MethodsWomen aged 35–60 years were encouraged to undergo cervical screening in primary care units and hospitals through awareness programs. Papanicolaou smears were processed and reported at district or provincial cytology laboratories. Women with normal test results were advised to undergo repeat screening after 5 years, while those with precancerous and cancerous lesions were referred for colposcopy, biopsy, and treatment. Information on screening, referral, investigations, and therapy were logged in a computer database.ResultsBetween 2005 and 2009, 69.2% of the 4 030 833 targeted women were screened. In all, 20 991 women had inadequate smears; 27 253 had low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions; 15 706 had high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions; and 2920 had invasive cancers. Information on the management of precancerous lesions was available for only 17.4% of women referred for colposcopy.ConclusionAlthough follow-up data on women with positive test results were inadequately documented, the present findings indicate that provision of cytology services through the existing healthcare system is feasible.