Is there a changing epidemiology of premalignant lesions of the cervix? Results of cytologic screening of pregnant women.

The selection of women approached for cytologic screening is based on previous studies on age distribution and prevalence and consequent considerations on the risk of developing invasive carcinoma. In order to check if this is appropriate the results of the screening of pregnant women being selected irrespective of their age has been studied for two periods, 1961-64 and 1972. The frequency of lesions was remarkably high among the teenagers of both periods. A significant increase in the incidence of lesions was noted for the period 1972. This increase is most evident in the ages 21 to 30. A shift to more severe lesions was found among the teenagers and in the groups between 31 and 40. In conclusion more effort should be made with respect to cytologic screening of young women, particularly when pregnant. The increased frequency of cytologic atypias among women between 21 and 30 should focus the attention to the possibility that the epidemiology or premalignant lesions of the uterine cervix is changing.