Cervical Cancer Screening: The Challenges of Tracking and Follow-up

Cervical Cancer Screening: The Challenges of Tracking and Follow-up

The ability of a patient to attend a screening clinic, to return for possible treatment, and to return to clinic for follow-up evaluation (“the patient factor”) is an important component to the success of a screening program. The patient factor has not been addressed in the discussion of cervical cancer screening techniques and guidelines. Challenges and barriers to tracking screening results and returning for follow-up include patient factors, limited resources, and inadequate medical infrastructure. The various elements that lead to loss to follow-up in a screened population are discussed. Potential solutions to improve continued surveillance and interventions to prevent the development of cervical cancer are reviewed.