In Poland, there are nearly 11 000 women with cervical cancer, and as many as two-thirds of patients are diagnosed when the disease is already at an advanced stage. Cancer detected at stage II or III (on the stage IV scale) makes treatment more difficult and reduces the chances of eradicating the cancer, with the result that only 40 per cent of affected women are cured .

Yet this most common cancer of the reproductive organs can be easily detected at an early stage with a simple and brief cytological examination. In Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands and Scandinavia, the problem of cervical cancer has almost been eliminated thanks to regular examination of epithelial cells taken from the cervical wall. In Western Europe and the United States, on the other hand, it is a much rarer problem than in Poland.

Our national statistics on cervical cancer prevention are far from satisfactory. For several years now, a campaign has been conducted by the National Health Fund in which Polish women aged 25-59 receive an invitation for a free cytological examination every three years.

Unfortunately, on average, only 15 per cent of women take advantage of this opportunity. Research from 2012 reports that only 30% of Polish women have an up-to-date cytological examination. What is the reason for such a reluctance on the part of our compatriots to undergo tests?

photo: ojoimages

The reason can certainly be found in the still poor awareness of women. This is influenced, among other things, by media reports. In contrast to the poor results of cervical cancer prevention, breast cancer screening is achieving better and better results.