Recommendations for Contraceptive Use
RH TOC		Cervical Cancer Prevention

Cervical cancer is increasing throughout the world. In economically-restricted countries, where early detection methods are not as widespread and reliable, deaths from cervical cancer are climbing. In order to reduce the number of new cases of cervical cancer, many family planning (FP) programs have focused their efforts on both prevention (mutual monogamy, condoms) and methods of detection. As a result, some programs now require a Pap smear before providing FP. This requirement, in some places, reduces a woman's access to FP.

The following pages summarize, in a question/answer format, research up to mid-1996 on cervical cancer, with a focus on causes, prevention and recommendations regarding FP method choice. Hopefully, this will help clarify how cervical cancer can be prevented. For more detailed information, please refer to:

• Sherris J, Wells E, Tsu V, Bishop A. Cervical cancer in developing countries: a situation analysis. A working paper. Washington DC: World Bank, 1993.
• Bishop A, Wells E, Sherris J, Tsu V, Crook B. Cervical cancer: evolving prevention strategies for developing countries. Reproductive Health Matters 1995; 6(November): 60-71.

Both of these publications are available from PATH, 4 Nickerson Street, Seattle, Washington 98109-1699 USA, Telephone: (206) 285-3500, Fax: (206) 285-6619, e-mail: info@path.org.

This information responds to requests for answers to questions about cervical cancer prevention. This chapter is also being published as an INTRAH Technical Information Memo Series (TIMS). For copies of INTRAH TIMS, please contact:

Ms. Susan Eudy, Technical Services Administrative Manager
INTRAH (Program for International Training in Health)
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
CB # 8100, 208 N. Columbia Street
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8100, USA

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Any part of Recommendations for Updating Selected Practices in Contraceptive Use may be reproduced or adapted to meet local needs without prior permission from the TG/CWG Secretariat, provided the TG/CWG is acknowledged and the material is made available free of charge or at cost.