For Immediate Release

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., (Sep 15, 2005) - Cytyc Corporation, a leading women's health company, today announced that a number of medical associations and women's health advocacy groups have issued statements acknowledging the importance of the ability of the ThinPrep(R) Pap Test to better detect glandular lesions. Cytyc announced last week that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a Pre-Market Approval Supplement for the ThinPrep Pap Test related to the detection of endocervical and endometrial glandular lesions. The enhanced labeling cites multiple peer-reviewed publications that report on the improved ability of the ThinPrep(R) System to detect glandular disease versus the conventional Pap smear. The comments come from a broad range of organizations representing health care professionals and patient advocacy groups.

In a statement posted September 9, 2005, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) "notes with interest a recent regulatory approval that could result in improved detection of abnormal glandular lesions of the cervix. This is significant because although glandular cell types comprise less than 20 percent of all cervical cancers, glandular abnormalities have been responsible for the majority of the increases in cervical cancer among women under age 35.

Specifically, the FDA recently approved a labeling change for the liquid-based cytology test, ThinPrep Pap Test, as a result of evidence that this technology produces more reliable results in detecting abnormalities of glandular cells. These abnormalities are sometimes missed by conventional Pap test methods."

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) noted in a statement it "is pleased to join its partners in the health professional and women's health communities in educating health care providers and the public about the improved ability of the ThinPrep Pap Test to detect glandular cervical lesions."

The American Medical Women's Association (AMWA) executive director, Linda Hallman, issued a statement that "recognizes the importance of improving glandular cervical cancer lesion detection." Ms. Hallman added, "AMWA has been very concerned about the rise of cervical adenocarcinoma, particularly in young women."

The Black Women's Health Imperative issued a statement applauding the recent FDA approval of expanded glandular claims for the ThinPrep Pap Test and noted that the "improved detection capability is an important advancement in the fight against cervical cancer" and added they will publicize this important cervical cancer improvement. The statement emphasized the importance "for women, and particularly for African-American and other underserved women, to have access to the most accurate Pap test available."

The National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association (NFPRHA) announced that it "welcomes the addition of a new labeling claim that acknowledges the improved ability of the ThinPrep Pap Test to detect glandular disease versus the conventional Pap smear." NFPRHA added it "is alarmed by the increasing incidence of glandular disease, particularly of women of reproductive age who comprise the majority of Title X patients."

In addition, the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) commented on the new FDA glandular claim for the ThinPrep Pap Test noting "evidence showing that Pap tests collected using ThinPrep technology are more reliable in detecting abnormalities arising from the mucous secreting gland cells of the cervix; a part of the cervix that has sometimes been missed by conventional Pap test methods." The comments are included in "A Letter to Women of America" from GCF chairman Karl Podratz, M.D., Ph.D., that is part of the GCF 2005 State of the State of Gynecologic Cancers.

"The immediate positive response to our recent announcement of expanded labeling for the ThinPrep Pap Test related to glandular disease from such a wide and diverse group of organizations on the frontlines of women's health confirms the significance of this important development," said Patrick J. Sullivan, Cytyc's chairman, president, and chief executive officer. "We are very proud of the unique benefits that the ThinPrep Pap Test has contributed to advance women's health and we will continue to work with our partners to improve women's lives."