[The coverage of cervical screening in Hungary]

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to calculate the proportion of women having cytological examination (Pap smear) of cervix either within or outside of the Hungarian organized cervical cancer screening programme.

Methods: The data derive from the financial database of the National Health Insurance Fund Administration (OEP) of Hungary covering the period of 2000-2005. The period 2000-2002 was considered as a reference period of opportunistic screening, while 2003-2005 was the first screening circle of organized screening.

Results: Between 2000-2002 1 667 618 women underwent cytological examination of Pap smear, and it increased to 1 749 498 women between 2003-2005. In the age-group 25-64 years, the annual coverage varied between 22.0-23.3% in 2000-2002, and it increased to 23.4-24.3% between 2003-2005. In the target population the 3-years-coverage increased from 48.9% in 2000-2002 to 52.6% in 2003-2005 (+3.7%).

Conclusions: The organized screening programme managed to increase moderately the coverage of target population. In order to realize the mortality decline due to cervical cancer, participation rate must be increased.