CERVICAL-CANCER SCREENING OF WOMEN ATTENDING SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASE CLINICS

Prevention programs at clinics for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs ) have traditionally focused on reducing the spread of STDs through pr ompt diagnosis and treatment of infections and through notification an d treatment of sex partners. For women the clinic examination also off ers an opportunity to prevent cervical cancer, a sequela of STDs, Wome n who have had STDs are at increased risk for cervical cancer, and wom en who seek health care at public clinics frequently have additional c haracteristics that place them at risk for not having had a recent Pap anicolaou (Pap) smear. Despite the opportunity for cervical cancer scr eening that is afforded by a visit to an STD clinic, in most public cl inics a Pap smear is not part of the routine examination of women. Thi s report summarizes the evidence supporting cervical cancer screening for women with STDs (particularly women attending STD clinics) and add resses the advantages, disadvantages, and net yield of previous screen ing programs at STD clinics.