Skopje, 16 December 2023 (MIA) - The Health Ministry's national programs include a preventive program for detection and screening of malignant diseases, which, in addition to screening for early detection and screening for breast cancer, also includes screening for cervical cancer, the Ministry of Health said in a press release, announcing the start of screening for colon cancer.  

"As of 2024, we hope to start screening for colon cancer, thanks to all the preparatory activities of the Ministry of Health, the efforts of Health Minister Fatmir Mexhiti and Deputy Minister Maja Manoleva, as well as the enthusiasm of the doctors, since the screening process is very complex," reads the press release.

Colon cancer screening will be done exclusively at the Gastroenterohepatology Clinic, in line with the standards and EU directives that we follow. All these directives were given to the Ministry of Health in the form of tasks, and adjusted in all three screening programs throughout the year. There will be a completely new outpatient clinic financed by the Ministry of Health, a new colonoscopy office, full equipment, while in terms of staff, the clinic already has quality and trained staff, the press release adds. 

As regards breast cancer screening, in 2022 and 2023, a large number of devices, latest equipment, i.e. digital mammography, have been procured in the general hospitals of Kumanovo, Strumica, Debar, Tetovo, 8 September - Skopje and the Institute of Radiology, as well as new mammograms with the possibility of stereotactic biopsy and tomosynthesis.

In addition, a national commission, "Tumor Board", has been set up for patients diagnosed with breast cancer. The commission consists of medical specialists from several clinics that are involved in the process.

"Data analysis shows that 10,000 patients were registered for screening, while 4,900 screening mammograms were performed. We urge the women who receive text messages for the screening to respect the appointment schedules and if they are unable to show up, they need to cancel their appointments to allow appointment schedules for other women who want to be included in the program," says the Health Ministry. 

Photo: MIA archive