Review of invasive cervical cancers and uptake of disclosure of results: an audit of procedures and response.

OBJECTIVE: To audit the process and outcome of case reviews performed for invasive cervical cancers diagnosed between 2003 and 2007, and the timely disclosure of results to the respective patients. METHODS: Invasive cervical cancer reviews were performed on all cases of cervical cancer diagnosed between 2003 and 2007. Following the review, women were classified into two categories: a group who developed invasive cancer despite adherence to the screening programme or in whom a management or diagnostic decision was determined to have been a principal factor in the development of their disease (Group A), and a second group who either had never undergone a cervical smear or had been established defaulters from the screening programme (Group B). RESULTS: Ninety-seven of the 98 cases of invasive cervical cancer diagnosed in the 4-year study period were reviewed. Sixty of the 61 women in Group A were sent an invitation to discuss the results of their case review. Thirty-six (37%) were classified as Group B, and it was deemed neither appropriate nor possible to invite the patients for a review consultation. Of the women sent an invitation, only 24 (40%) chose to attend. CONCLUSION: A policy of selective invitation for the disclosure of invasive review results is feasible. Less than one-half of patients diagnosed with cervical cancer appear to want to know how they developed cervical cancer despite previously participating in a screening programme.