Is there a Changing Epidemiology of Premalignant Lesions of the Cervix?:Results of Cytologic Screening of Pregnant Women

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Abstract
The selection of women approached for cytologic screening is based on previous studies on age distribution and prevalence and consequent considerations on the risk of developing invasive carcinoma. To check if this is appropriate the results of the screening of pregnant women being selected irrespective of their age was studied for 2 periods, 1961-1964 and 1972. The frequency of lesions was remarkably high among the teenagers of both periods. A significant increase in the incidence of lesions was noted for 1972. This increase is most evident in the ages 21-30. A shift to more severe lesions was found among the teenagers and in the groups between 31 and 40. More effort should be made with respect to cytologic screening of young women, particularly when pregnant. The increased frequency of cytologic atypias smong women between 21 and 30 should focus attention to the possibility that epidemiology of premalignant lesions of the uterine cervix is changing.