Title: Cervical Cancer Prevention Strategy in Hungary: Progress Toward Elimination
Oral Presentation
 
Authors: Robert Koiss MD, PhD, Gabriella Liszkay Prof. MD, PhD, Hungary
 
Background:
Cervical cancer remains a preventable malignancy with effective primary and secondary prevention tools. Hungary has implemented a national strategy aligned with the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Union objectives to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality and to contribute to global elimination efforts.
Methods/StrategyDescription:
The Hungarian cervical cancer prevention strategy integrates population-based primary and secondary prevention measures. Primary prevention is ensured through a nationally funded, school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program targeting 12-year-old girls from 2014 and also the boys from 2018. Secondary prevention is delivered via an organized cervical cancer screening program, inviting women aged 25–65 years at three-year intervals, historically based on cytology with a gradual transition toward HPV-based screening in accordance with European guidelines. Health promotion activities and intersectoral collaboration support participation and follow-up.
Results / Current Status:
Hungary has adopted elimination targets consistent with WHO recommendations, aiming to achieve 90% HPV vaccination coverage, 70% regular screening participation, and 90% treatment coverage for women diagnosed with cervical precancer or cancer.  While the vaccination uptake of adolescens girls aged 12 years is 75-80% and of boys  66-71%,screening participation remains a key challenge with 40% of the targeted population, highlighting the need for continued system-level and community-based interventions. The new cervical cancer cases show a significant decrease in the 2011-2023 period (p=0.013; R=0.72) with 1077 new cases in 2011 and 1000 in 2023. Nonsignificant decrease was detected in the mortality. There were 414 deaths in 2011, 388 in 2023 (p=0.08, R=0.505)
Conclusion:
Hungary’s comprehensive cervical cancer prevention strategy demonstrates strong alignment with international elimination frameworks. Strengthening screening uptake and ensuring equitable access to prevention and treatment services will be critical to achieving cervical cancer elimination as a public health problem.
Keywords: cervical cancer prevention, HPV vaccination, organized screening, Hungary, elimination strategy
The presentation is supported by CEEAO
 

HPV Vaccination coverage in both sex from 2014 to 2024