Evaluation of a model demonstration programme for the control of cervical cancer in rural China: A cross-Sectional study on existing databases from 2009 to 2014. (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhao, Jun; Yang, Lin; Sriplung, Hutcha; Zhou, Shangcheng; Zeng, Wenjie; Gong, Xiaohui
• Is Part Of: Journal of cancer policy. Volume 15(2018) Part A
• Page Start: 59
• Page End: 65
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: Cervical cancer screening -- Evaluation -- Prevention -- China; Cancer -- Government policy -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Patients -- Services for -- Periodicals; Medical Oncology -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Cancer; Periodicals; 362.196994
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2017.12.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-5383

Abstract

Highlights: This is the first comprehensive documentation on the organized cervical cancer screening programme in central China. By calculating various indicators, we found that although the cervical cancer screening programme in Zhushan county has shown to be successful in terms of decreasing the cervical cancer burden, the screening coverage and effectiveness should be improved. Our findings indicate a need for developing comprehensive guidelines for quality assurance for cervical cancer screening programmes in rural China. Abstract: Background: Since 2009, a nationwide free cervical cancer screening project in rural China has been gradually expanded. Here, we evaluated a demonstration screening programme in rural China to facilitate the development of the comprehensive guidelines for quality assurance of the cervical cancer screening in Rural China. Methods: The organised cervical cancer screening programme in Zhushan county was evaluated for both ongoing activities and outcome impact from 2009 through 2014. A descriptive analysis of performance indicators and outcome measures related to screening was conducted. Results: Of the 73, 847 Pap tests performed in 2009–2014, 69127 (93.6%) were in the target age group (25–64). The screening coverages by township were between 10% to 30% in each 2-year screening round. About half of eligible women underwent at least once Pap test over the six-year period. The recall rates for the second and third period were 11.3% and 17.2%, respectively. The annual truncated age-standardized incidence rate seemed to be stable with some variation during the first four years after the initiation of the organised screening programme and dropped in the later two years. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the cervical cancer screening programme in Zhushan county was successful in terms of decreasing the cervical cancer burden. Though 2-year coverage was around 18%, the overall 6-year coverage reached 49.5%. We recommend a set of indicators compiled from the regular monitoring process and the methods to estimate the achievement of the programme based on the limited budget and resources available in the area.