A cost‐effective but safe protocol for the staging of invasive cervical carcinoma in a third world country

Abstract

The treatment and prognosis of invasive cervical carcinoma depends on proper clinical staging. The prestaging investigations are time-consuming and costly and 3rd world countries find it difficult to adhere to 1st world protocols. In the search for a more cost-effective but safe protocol for pre-treatment investigation the analysis of some of the special investigations performed on a total of 903 patients with invasive cervical carcinoma have proven beyond doubt that some of these investigations can be omitted without harming the patient. The Gynecologic Oncology Unit of the Tygerberg Hospital R.S.A. propose such a cost-effective protocol provided some criteria are strictly adhered to in safe-guarding proper health care.

Visual inspection with acetic acid and cytology as screening methods for cervical lesions in Cameroon

“…There are no organized cervical cancer screening programs in many Latin American countries; any of the high‐risk sub‐Saharan countries, or in India, which accounts for one fifth of the global burden of the disease [5]. In these countries most patients present with invasive disease at an advanced stage [4,6].…”

Perceptions about menopause and health practises among women in northeast Thailand

“…It has been argued that medicalization of menopause is an attempt to uphold male power and control over women (MacPherson, 1981; Reitz, 1985; Martin, 1987; Greer, 1991; Chirawatkul & Manderson, 1994), while in traditional ideology, menopause raises women's status in mid‐life (Beyene, 1989; Du Toit, 1988; Chirawatkul, 1993; Whittaker, 1994; Derekbusarakom , 1997). In the northeastern part of Thailand , women have primary responsibility for domestic tasks, the daily running of the home, including cleaning, cooking, washing, child care, and care for the sick.…”

Urine cytology as a screening test for bladder infiltration in cervical cancer

“…Cystoscopy, however, requires specific equipment, skills, and theater time. This cau-ses a substantial delay in the pretreatment work-up and onset of treatment of these patients (6) .…”