Abnormal cervical smears increasing

Press, 25 September 1987, Page 5

Abnormal cervical smears increasing

By

CHRISTOPHER MOORE

A Christchurch Family Planning Clinic survey has shown a dramatic increase in the number of cervical abnormalities among the clinic’s patients during the last three years. The survey indicated a ‘five-fold increase in the incidence of histologically proved cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN 3) in 1985. The study also indicated a rise in cervical smears containing evidence of HPV (human papillomavirus) infection.

Last year, the clinic recorded 47 cases of cervical abnormalities.

"During that time, slightly more smears were taken. To date in 1987, we have not recorded such high CIN 3 numbers but

we are averaging about 30 abnormal smears out of the 700 done monthly.” said the clinic’s medical director, Dr Diana Edwards, yesterday. In 1982, 5.5 per cent of the clinic’s patients showed abnormalities. Three years later, the figure had risen to 17.1 per cent. The clinic’s first formal study showed a “surge” in the number of cervical abnormalities, a reflection of a world-wide trend, according to Dr Edwards. There were 51 new cases of CIN 3 in 1985, compared with an annual average of 9.3 between 1982 and 1984. “The time interval between the last normal smear and the diagnosis of CIN 3 averaged 2.3 years. CIN 3 patients were young, with an average age of 28. They had a

higher number of sexual partners, an average of 10 compared with the 2.8 partners among those patients without CIN 3,” Dr Edwards said. “These findings support the theory of a sexually transmitted precursor to the development of CIN 3. The 1985 surge may reflect an increased prevalence of this agent.” CIN 3 required “vigorous treatment” and could result in cancer if not treated immediately. “One of the important things we discovered in this survey was the time between the normal smear and the development of CIN 3. We need to do yearly smears on these young people. More frequent smears should be considered for young sexually active women in view of the short time

interval between normal smears'and the development of CIN 3,” she said.

"What we are also saying is that these are particularly young women and especially vulnerable. The results of the survey reflect a world-wide trend.”

Dr Edwards emphasised that if detected early, some of the abnormalities would regress. “It remains extremely important that women have regular cervical smears. The more severe lesions will progress to cervical cancer. But it must also be remembered that cervical cancer is a preventable disease if regular smears are taken.

“Women should not be frightened of this. It is much more important to have a smear done,” Dr Edwards said.