In Hong Kong, cervical cancer is the 4th commonest malignancy in females. Cervical cytology screening is effective in reducing the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. Women should have regular cervical smears from the time they start to have sexual activity until they reach the age of 65. A cervical smear should be taken and handled properly, so that the sensitivity of the test will not be affected by the quality of the smear. Most of the laboratories in Hong Kong are now using the Bethesda System to report cervical smears. In order to manage patients properly, doctors should be familiar with this classification.

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