Screening for cervical cancer in Hungary: New role for health visitors

Abstract

In Hungary, opportunistic cervical screening has a long tradition; having been launched in the mid 1950s. Since 2003, a nation-wide organized cervical screening programme has been in operation. However, the “gatekeepers” of the screening are still the gynaecologists who take the smear for cytological examination along with a complex examination, including colposcopy. The compliance rates are unacceptably low because the difficult access to gynaecological services, particularly in rural areas. Therefore, it has been decided that cervical screening would be added to the job description of district health visitors who are qualified to provide preventive care to the female population. The relevant knowledge and skill necessary to provide cervical screening would be included in the health visitors’ curriculum. The early experiences of the feasibility studies are encouraging.