Implementing a cervical cancer screening program in low and middle income countries

Introduction: Implementing a national cervical screening program involves 3 phases: a policy phase, a planning phase and implementation phase. Using the case of Mongolia, we will highlight important considerations when implementing a national cervical screening program. Methods: A review of peer reviewed literature (abstracts, publications), newspaper/magazine articles regarding the Millennium Challenge project, meeting minutes from EPOS Health Management and the Mongolian MOH and reports were used to provide examples of various components of implementing a screening program. Results: In this chapter we discuss aspects of policy, planning (training, facilities and equipment, educating women and the community, and information systems) and implementation when beginning a new cervical cancer secondary prevention program. Mongolia is used as a case study to demonstrate this process. Conclusion: Once a national cervical screening program is planned and implemented, ongoing monitoring is required to optimize the benefits for women at risk of cervical cancer and evaluation will help define successes and ongoing costs.