The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of women in Hungary who underwent
gynecological cytological examinations either as part of a screening test or diagnostic
examinations. Data derived from the nationwide financing database of the Hungarian
National Health Insurance Fund Management and covered the period 2008-2021. We analyzed
both diagnostic and screening cytological tests. The number of diagnostic tests has
decreased. The number of patients per 10,000 female inhabitants in 2021 was a national
average of 840. The highest rate was observed in the counties of Hajdú-Bihar (1464/10,000
female inhabitants), Tolna (1443) and Baranya (1254). In screening, the number of
cytological tests is lower compared to smearing. The annual participation rate decreased
from 28% to 17%. The number of patients and the participation rate of diagnostic cytology
examinations decreased during the examined period. The added value of screening cytology
is moderate, the willingness to participate is low, falling short of the expected
value.
