[Evaluation of the "Early detection and opportune attention of cervicouterine cancer" program].
OBJECTIVE
To measure the results of early detection and a timely approach to cervical cancer in the three Health Networks of the Costa Rican Public Health System.


METHODS
Descriptive cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Primary health areas and hospitals of the Public Health System.


METHODS
The 639,229 Papanicolaou smears performed in the period 2004-2005 were examined and a representative sample of 7,342 abnormal cytology and 7,729 colposcopies in 2005.


METHODS
Adjusted Papanicolaou cover index and referral times of the abnormal cytology and the diagnostic confirmation, by applying the Care Guidelines for Women with Abnormal Cervical Cytology.


RESULTS
Around 42% of the primary care areas have Papanicolaou smear rate significantly lower than the national average. The primary care areas refer abnormal cytology for diagnostic confirmation in 97% of cases. The Calderon Guardia Health Area is the health service with the best performance in the management of appointments for diagnostic confirmation, whereas the San Juan de Dios service has most delays in making referrals.


CONCLUSIONS
In order to improve the results of the program, cover must be increased in younger women and an appointment management plan set up to perform a colposcopy as soon as possible.
Aparicio Llanos
Amada
A
Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
Morera Salas
Melvin
M
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D015397:Program Evaluation; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*