Lancet
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Comparative Study
Trends in mortality from cervical cancer in the Nordic countries: association with organised screening programmes.
Time trends in mortality from cervical cancer in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden since the early 1950s were investigated in relation to the extent and intensity of organised screening programmes in these countries. In all five countries the cumulative mortality rates (0-74 years) fell between 1965 and 1982. ⋯ In Denmark, where about 40% of the population are covered by organised programmes, the overall mortality fell by 25%, but in Norway, with only 5% of the population covered by organised screening, the mortality fell by only 10%. The results support the conclusion that organised screening programmes have had a major impact on the reduction in mortality from cervical cancer in the Nordic countries.
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The number of genetic disorders detectable antenatally by the use of DNA probes has risen rapidly. The demand for diagnosis and termination of affected pregnancies in high-risk families is likely to increase as tests become more accurate and widely known. Each Regional Health Authority (RHA) must therefore urgently compare any financial savings to be made from a DNA diagnostic service with the cost of setting up and running a laboratory. ⋯ On hospital costs alone there are benefits from the programme and wider consideration will make it more cost-effective. Once a programme is set up, new developments will make it even more cost-effective. It is concluded that RHAs should attach high priority to the setting up of such laboratories.