[The state of organized cervical screening program in Hungary in 2006]

Theoretically, there is a real prospect for full eradication of cervical cancer by cytology screening. In several countries the burden of cervical cancer significantly decreased due to regular screening of the population. In Hungary, the complex "gynecological screening", including colposcopic examination, has a long tradition, however, the efforts of several decades are not reflected in the mortality: about 500 women are killed by cervical cancer each year. The screening protocol represents a compromise between the traditional "gynecological screening" and the internationally recommended organized screening: taking sample for cytology is an essential element of the gynecological examination. The National Public Health Programme has established the technical and organizational preconditions of an organized screening programme. The early experiences with the "call-and-recall" organized screening -- started at the end of 2003 -- are unfavourable, because the compliance rates are unacceptably low. The majority of the women receive screening in a traditional way, i.e. outside the programme; another proportion of them simply ignores the invitation, and does not accept the offered screening. To improve the current situation, following the recommendation of "the-state-of-the-art", an attempt is made to intensify the involvement of the primary care personnel. There is a need to revise the current financing system by the political decision-makers in the health field. The access to the screening facilities needs to be improved, the attitude of the medical community changed, and the efficiency of the communication with the public significantly improved.