[Costs of population cervical cancer screening program in Poland between 2007-2009]

Screening programs may contribute to decreasing the mortality rate in a given population and their main target, in case of cervical cancer; is to find and to cure preclinical stages of this malignancy. Regularly repeated tests in defined time intervals can diagnose the illness at its early stages but the results come with a high cost. Population program of early detection of cervical cancer has been conducted since 2007 and is run by the Central Coordinating Center and 16 regional centers. Funds for promotional, educational, monitoring and medical activities are obtained from the National Health Service.

The aim of this study was to present the cost-effectiveness of the Program between 2007 and 2009.

The material for the analysis was obtained from the SIMP system, where all the data about women participating in the Program are implemented. The analysis of the cervical carcinoma treatment and procedure costs was made on the basis of the National Health Service estimates. The number of new cervical carcinoma cases was calculated with the help of the newly introduced system code--C53.

Between 2007 and 2009 the cost of one cytological smear was similar in all regions (about 10 PLN). The highest costs were noted in Lubuski and Swietokrzyski regions. The costs of promotional and educational activities amounted up to 4.5 million PLN. A single cervical smear test cost for one woman has increased in the analyzed years from 3.95 up to 7.34 PLN. The total cost of one woman cytological examination--medical and non-medical elements--was more than 60 PLN. In 2009, 622 new cases of cervical cancer were found thanks to the Program. The cost of one case of cervical cancer diagnosis was 15 000 PLN. The total costs of all cases of cervical cancer in 2009 was 45.5 million PLN.

The situation calls for creating new and effective tools for monitoring medical, epidemiological and financial parameters of the Program. Otherwise, the estimates of the health and social impact of the Program will fail to be plausible. Increased attendance at the Program will only marginally lower the costs of the tests. Not to mention, that different means and solutions regarding cervical cancer prevention need to be suggested due to the fact that Polish population does not yet seem to have developed the habit of taking preventive tests.