The XXXX Test of Cure: A lesson on compliance with the NHMRC guidelines on screening to prevent cervical cancer.

@entity1 @entity10479 @entity1082
BACKGROUND: In Australia, high-risk @entity1082 (HR HPV) testing is recommended for follow-up of @entity1 treated for a @entity10479 ( @entity10479 ). The sensitivity of HR HPV testing is critical to identify @entity1 at risk of further high-grade cervical disease. In Australia, this management protocol is known as the 'Test of Cure' (ToC). AIM: To conduct a population-based study investigating practitioners' compliance with ToC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: @entity1 treated for an @entity10479 between the five-year period 01 Jan 2006 to 31 Dec 2010 were identified and followed up for at least a 27-month period. Proportions and relative odds were determined for @entity1 entering and completing the ToC management pathway within recommended time frames. RESULTS: There were 5,194 @entity1 identified as 'eligible' to enter the ToC management pathway. Of these, 1,916 (37%) were managed with annual Pap smears and never had a HR HPV test performed. There were 1,296 (25%) @entity1 who entered the ToC management pathway within recommended time frames, and a further 1,978 (38%) @entity1 entered outside of the recommended time frames. Overall, 961 @entity1 completed the ToC and were classified as 'cured' and were eligible to return to two-yearly Pap smears. @entity1 's demographic information was significantly associated with ToC commencement, specifically, age and year of treatment, and Index of Relative Socioeconomic Disadvantage. CONCLUSION: Overall, a significant number of Australian @entity1 did not enter (~37%) and complete (~50%) the ToC management pathway. The challenge remains to advocate its use to practitioners to ensure @entity1 are returned to the population screening interval in a timely manner.
