[Cervical cancer prevention - awareness and health behavior changes of women in 1976, 1986, 1990 and 1998]

To find the changes in the proportion of women who declared knowledge about cytological tests and underwent that test in the years 1976, 1986, 1990 and 1998, as well as in the proportion of those who declared showing up at the gynaecologist during the last year. To assess the number of women taking part in the secondary prevention of cervical cancer. To correct health education intervention targeted at women.

The results of four cervical prevention surveys on representative samples of Polish women aged over 18 years were compared.

The substantial (58%) increase in the proportion of women who declared awareness of cytological tests was shown. As expected, smaller favourable changes were found in the field of women's health related to secondary prevention. The percent of women who declared yearly visits at the gynaecologists increased by 12% and those who declared having cytological tests done during last three years by 7%. The lowest level of awareness and the lowest frequency of using prevention services were declared among women aged over 60, represented the lowest education level and resided in rural areas.

It is important to continue educational work and intervention measures concerning cervical cancer prevention, with special attention to the most neglected groups of women.