Preterm Birth as a Potential Consequence of Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical high-grade lesions — precursors to cancer — are removed with techniques such as the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP); however, these procedures raise risk for preterm birth and associated morbidity (NEJM JW Womens Health Dec 2016 and Obstet Gynecol 2016; 128:1265). Investigators modelled data about several potential cervical cancer screening strategies in the Netherlands to estimate the number of cervical cancers diagnosed, life-years gained, cancer deaths, and costs. Based on the number of LEEPs performed (with associated preterm birth risk ranging from 11% to 67%), they calculated the additional preterm births and associated costs.

Cervical cancer screening programs ranged from cytologic screening every 3 years start…