To collect data to enable calculation of key quality indicators and basic statistics on cervical screening in Sweden.
We collected individual level data on all (both organized and non-organized) cervical cytologies and histopathologies in Sweden in 2015, as well as individual level data on all invitations for cervical screening that were sent.
There were 723,500 cervical smears (662,350 tests were cytologies and the remainder were HPV tests). Organized smears (smears resulting from an invitation) constituted 69% of smears. The screening test coverage of the target population was calculated by linkage with the population registry (all resident women aged 23–60) and found to be 81%. The coverage has been similar for >10 years, but varied greatly between counties (from 71% to 91%) and over time. The incidence of the disease screened for (cervical cancer) was also stable over time at the national level, but varied between counties. There were 7,982 women with HSIL+/AIS in cytology in 2013. Of these, 181 women had not been followed up with biopsy by 2014-12-31.
Straightforward collection of all screening data in the country enables reliable reporting of screening quality indicators which are the basis for evidence-based optimization and innovation of the program.