OBJECTIVES: The occurrence of cervical cancer in the Western Trans-Danubian region of Hungary is outstandingly high. Cervical screening upon individual invitation was launched within the frameworks of a National Program in Hungary in 2003. In the course of our study we have sought an answer to the question why women do not take the opportunity offered, why they fail to appear on screening examinations. METHODS: The sample population of the cross-section survey involved women between the age of 18-65 from the city of Zalaegerszeg with a convenient sampling method. In addition to a motivational scale of 21 variables, our questionnaire included demographical aspects, the subjective judgment of health status and one group of the questions were related to the factors of appearing on a gynecological screening examination. RESULTS: A total of 51.3% of the women appear on the annual screenings regularly from among the 520 women assessed. In the course of assessment of the primary component, the 21 variables of our motivational scale were grouped around six theoretical sub-concepts .Cronbach Alfa coefficiency was 0.8257. Non-appearance on the examinations due to fear has shown a significant relationship with age, marital status and level of education (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In order to further decrease national mortality rates an adequately motivated, continuous performance of cancer screening remains essential. For cervical cancer check-ups a separate concept and infrastructure is provided on behalf of our health administration. The weakness of this system however is connected to the low rate of appearance of the population, which in accordance with the above results  is also supported by statistical data, is influenced by fear, the injury of the personal intimacy the sense of an uncomfortable examination and long waiting times as well. At the same time we must note that a majority of women feeling responsible for their own health conditions do appear on screening examinations.