Cervical screening in general practice: call and recall.

Regular universal screening for cervical cancer is associated with a considerable reduction in the disease. However, opportunistic screening has tended to reach groups at low risk and miss those at high risk from the disease. This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of a call and recall system for cervical screening which was set up in one general practice.The practice age-sex register and records were used to monitor the screening status of women patients. Of the eligible population aged 36-60 years 70% were found to have been screened in the previous five years. The remainder were offered an appointment for a cervical smear and 57% attended following this invitation. Three smears out of 110 undertaken were reported as showing marked dyskaryosis or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade III. The estimated cost per case identified was pound366.A call system in general practice can increase the uptake of cervical screening among women at risk. It is a relatively cost-effective method of preventing cervical cancer.