Population screening for cancer of the cervix with irrigation smears

Using the self-obtained irrigation smear technique, a selective screening program was carried out in Washington County, Maryland, in 1963 and 1965. A 78 per cent participation rate was achieved with a yield of 7.8 cancers per 1,000 asymptomatic women in the 1963 screening. The participation rate in 1965 was 74 per cent with a yield of 4.0 per 1,000. Selective screening with the self-obtained irrigation smear offers an efficient technique for community control of cancer of the cervix.