[Calvary of cytology-based cervical screening in Hungary]

The paper reviews the development of cervical screening based on cytological examination in Hungary from its appearance to the present day. It notes that, although the organizational conditions for organized population screening would be ensured, the practice of screening tests lacks documentable results because the system used by screening of personal invitation and follow-up to optimize public participation is not sufficiently used by the public, furthermore, the results of organized screening tests are not reported to the screening registry. As a result, the insurance pays around twenty times more under “diagnostic cervical examination” (OENO 26601) than under “cervical screening” (OENO 42520). Cervical screening is a joint task of gynecologists (smear-taking) and pathologists (evaluation of smear). The gynecologists’ task is the take care fort the patient, and to report the result to central registry. This is the only way to obtain data on compliance and the effectiveness of the screening program. The paper takes into account the factors that hinder the following of the international guidelines, thus the successful implementation of the screening programs. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(15): 578–587.