Retrospective examination of the Hungarian breast and cervical cancer screening programmes according to mortality and morbidity data

Abstract

Introduction: The organized breast and cervical screening programs were implemented in the framework of public health program in Hungary in order to reduce breast cancer mortality by 30% and cervical cancer mortality by 60% in given age groups within 10 years by 2012. Aim: The aim of our study was to conduct a retrospective analysis of mortality and morbidity data and to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented screening programs. Method: Descriptive statistical analysis was performed by age-standardized mortality and morbidity data between 1980 and 2015 with special regard to the period of 2002–2012. Results: Breast cancer mortality of women aged 45–64 reduced by 28.3%, the incidence reduced by 23.6% and the incidence of in situ carcinoma increased by 242% between 2002 and 2012. Cervical cancer mortality of women aged 25–64 years reduced by 25.5%, the incidence reduced by 21.2%, and the incidence of in situ carcinoma increased by 13.3% during 2002–2012. Conclusion: Although both breast cancer and cervical cancer mortality substantially decreased in Hungary, the decrease in cervical cancer did not reach the target value.