Introduction: Breast and cervical cancers are both common malignancies in Hungarian women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of nationwide screening programs on the incidence and mortality of breast and cervical cancers and to assess the role of primary care providers in this context.
Materials and methods: Published records from 2000-2011 on breast and cervical cancer screening activities in Hungary were reviewed. Previously unpublished data from the Hungarian National Cancer Registry were also included in this review. Hungarian outcomes were compared to international results.
Results: A nationwide screening program for breast cancer was established in Hungary in 2001. A similar program for cervical cancer was subsequently initiated in 2003. As of 2009, 50% of the population at risk took advantage of breast cancer screening, while the exact participation rate for cervical cancer screening could not be established due to deficiencies of reporting by private gynecologists. The Health Visitors Cervical Screening Program, a new initiative within the context of the nationwide cervical screening program, based on involvement of local primary care providers, had encouraging results which substantially raised participation rates. However, deficiencies were identified regarding flow of information between service providers, patients, and family physicians. There was a slight reduction in the incidence of breast cancer and a more pronounced reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer, as well as a reduction in mortality for both breast and cervical cancers associated with these screening initiatives.
Conclusion: The inclusion of primary care providers may benefit nationwide screening programs by raising participation rates in the target population.