The Ministry of Health, in cooperation with specialists in the field of oncology, has unveiled its National Oncology Program (NOP). It was presented on Wednesday in the form of a workshop which was attended by patient organisations.
The aim of the National Oncology Program is to help reduce the number of oncology patients battling with cancer. "Given that cancer is the second most common cause of death in Slovakia, the primary focus will be on prevention, early diagnosis, early and optimal treatment, supportive care, follow-up after treatment as well as palliative care," stated Health Minister Andrea Kalavská.
The Health Ministry's core task will be the launching of the Year of Prevention campaign with national screening programs for cervical cancer, colorectal cancer and breast cancer, offering early diagnosis for more effective cancer treatment. The Health Ministry also plans to introduce the screening of oral, kidney, lung and pancreatic cancer, with a network of accredited facilities expected to be created by 2020.
"The numbers of oncological illnesses are rising steadily worldwide. However, it's both positive and proven in my own medical experience that most tumours are able to be diagnosed at an early stage. Still, we still have advanced localised or metastatic stages which we can prevent via screening," stated Stanislav Špánik, Health Ministry State Secretary.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) will be involved in the program, being responsible for the management of screening programs, used as clinical research and learning platforms. These will begin in July, with the institute's role being to analyse the screening results and to implement and guarantee the fulfilment of the NOP.
Tune in to Monday's broadcast (25/6) for an in-depth feature on this topic.
