Coverage of cervical cancer screening in France

Introduction - The National Organized Screening Program (PNDO) for cervical cancer (CCU), which has been rolling out since 2018, aims to increase screening coverage to 80%, reduce inequalities in access to screening, and reduce the 10-year incidence and mortality rates of CCU by 30%. Having reliable estimates of CCU screening coverage prior to the implementation of the PNDO CCU is essential for measuring the program’s impact. Methods - In France, cervical cancer screening currently involves a Pap test (cervical smear) every three years for women aged 25 to 65. The coverage rate for triennial screening was calculated using data from the national health insurance system, for all women aged 25–65 and by five-year age group, for all of France and by region and department, for the 2015–2017 period as well as for the three preceding rolling three-year periods since 2012. Results - Among the 17.8 million women aged 25 to 65 residing in France, 10.4 million underwent a cervical cytology test during the 2015–17 period, representing a national coverage rate of 58.7%. Coverage declines significantly with age starting at age 50, falling to 44.2% among women aged 60–65. Overall national rates and rates by age have been relatively stable since 2012. The data reveal significant geographic disparities, with rates ranging from 42% to 68% and particularly low rates in overseas departments and regions, with the exception of Réunion. Conclusion - Monitoring trends in CCU screening coverage should make it possible to measure the progress of the PNDO CCU toward its goals of improving coverage and reducing disparities in access to this screening.

Author(s): Hamers Françoise, Jezeweski-Serra Delphine

Publishing year: 2019

Pages: 417-423

Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2019, n° 22-23, p. 417-423

In relation to

Our latest news

news

2026 “Sexual Behavior” Survey (ERAS) for men who have sex with men

news

Hervé Maisonneuve has been appointed scientific integrity officer for a...

Visuel illustratif

news

Public Health France 2026 Barometer: Launch of the Survey