This study considers the possibility of expanding the roles of the local health care system to respond to demands by the population. Focusing on the problem of cervical cancer, the study evaluated the results obtained by a preventive program conducted in a municipal health system with the objective of evaluating its case-resolving capacity and patient compliance. Variables were related to diagnosis and follow-up of 465 women enrolled in the program from 1987 to 1994. For purposes of comparison, the study used the results from a specialized regional referral service during the same period. The program's case-resolving capacity was similar to that of the referral service; in addition, on average the cervical lesions were less severe and the treatment drop-out rate was lower among patients from the local health care system, reflecting better follow-up compliance. It is important to train local health personnel in order to improve care, including treatment for more complex diseases.