Screening for gynecologic cancers.

Although many advances in the management of gynecologic malignancy have been achieved over the last three decades, the prognosis for advanced stage disease remains disappointing. Screening to detect pre-invasive or early stage disease can significantly reduce mortality. Encouraging results outlined in this article demonstrate the potential benefits of both novel screening technologies and refinements to established programs. Methods under investigation include serum and molecular markers, and automated Pap test slide-reading systems. In addition, much work is now directed toward cost-benefit analysis and the psychological impact of screening.