Improving cancer screening in Slovenia

ongoing

Cancer poses a significant socio-economic and public health challenge in Europe, with Slovenia experiencing high mortality rates, particularly from lung and prostate cancers. Despite advancements in early detection and treatment, Slovenia lacks organized screening programs for these cancers, relying instead on opportunistic screenings with limited data on their effectiveness. Conversely, the organized cervical cancer screening program, ZORA, has successfully reduced cervical cancer incidence. To sustain and enhance these efforts, Slovenia must transition to HPV-based screening and increase HPV vaccination rates. The European Council’s updated recommendations in 2022 emphasize the need for organized screening for lung and prostate cancers, and HPV-based cervical cancer screening. This project aims to align Slovenia’s cancer screening programs with these recommendations, requiring additional expertise and resources. The initiative supports the Slovenian Ministry of Health’s National Cancer Control Program (NCCP) 2022-2026 and aligns with Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.