DECENA - cervical cancer primary screening program in Vojvodina

Abstract

Hc2 DNA test for detection of 13 oncogenic human papillomavirus genotypes (16/18/31/33/35/39/45/51/52/56/58/59/68) is a real partner to cytology, concerning improvement and better detection of premalignant and malignant cervical diseases. Reliable cytology combined with HPV testing is a useful parameter to gynecologists, in case of various dilemmas: questionable Pap test, follow up of patients with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) and also postoperative control of patients after the treatment of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). HPV status is important additional parameter, especially when making decision about the most adequate treatment protocols and in case of nullparae who have CIN2. In last few years, numerous studies indicate many advantages of using this molecular-diagnostic test in primary screening of cervical carcinoma. In the pilot study of DECENA (detection of cervical neoplasia) program we tested 980 women, in the period from August 2006 to April 2007. DECENA program is based on primary screening of cervical cancer. It is supported with segments of great importance: data base of examined women, data base and communication with all medical professionals included in cervical cancer screening, education of women and their partners, and public education.

Keywords

• uterine cervical neoplasms
• papillomavirus infections
• DNA probes
• HPV
• mass screening
• precancerous conditions
• cervical intraepithelial neoplasia