This report summarises the findings of the DHBs’review of colposcopy services. In carrying out its analysis the NSU has also drawn upon the findings of recent NCSP provider compliance audits of nine DHB colposcopy services and has reviewed DHB compliance with contractual reporting requirements.
Cervical screening can prevent cervical cancer and contribute to preventing deaths from cervical cancer. Since the National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP) began in 1991, cervical cancer incidence has fallen by approximately 40 percent and deaths by 60 percent.
The content of referral letters determines which patients get seen with what priority. Referrals to a Colposcopy Service were reviewed as there were concerns that inappropriate or inadequate referrals from primary care could be impacting on the service provision and waiting times for all women.
This report brings together data from a number of sources to present a picture of cervical cancer incidence and mortality over time in New Zealand, set alongside data on coverage of women by the National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP) and some data from overseas.
In this report we recommend revised targets based on classical age-period-cohort (APC) modelling of cervical cancer incidence and mortality. Published November 2003 (updated February 2004).