CanScreen5, a global repository for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening programs

Abstract

The CanScreen5 project is a global cancer screening data repository that aims to report the status and performance of breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening programs using a harmonized set of criteria and indicators. Data collected mainly from the Ministry of Health in each country underwent quality validation and ultimately became publicly available through a Web-based portal. Until September 2022, 84 participating countries reported data for breast (n = 57), cervical (n = 75) or colorectal (n = 51) cancer screening programs in the repository. Substantial heterogeneity was observed regarding program organization and performance. Reported screening coverage ranged from 1.7% (Bangladesh) to 85.5% (England, United Kingdom) for breast cancer, from 2.1% (Côte d’Ivoire) to 86.3% (Sweden) for cervical cancer, and from 0.6% (Hungary) to 64.5% (the Netherlands) for colorectal cancer screening programs. Large variability was observed regarding compliance to further assessment of screening programs and detection rates reported for precancers and cancers. A concern is lack of data to estimate performance indicators across the screening continuum. This underscores the need for programs to incorporate quality assurance protocols supported by robust information systems. Program organization requires improvement in resource-limited settings, where screening is likely to be resource-stratified and tailored to country-specific situations.

Quantification of impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cancer screening programmes – a case study from Argentina, Bangladesh, Colombia, Morocco, Sri Lanka, and Thailand

“…Modelers may use the data to estimate the additional number of cases that would be detected in advanced stage or excess deaths that are expected, as has been done in several high-income countries ( Castanon et al, 2020 ; Yong et al, 2021 ). The study also highlights the importance of CanScreen5 project of IARC that aims to build capacities across the globe to systematically collect data across cancer screening continuum and use the same for programme management and quality improvement ( Zhang et al, 2023 ).…”

Study protocol for a mixed methods approach to optimize colorectal cancer screening in Malaysia: Integrating stakeholders insights and knowledge-to-action framework

“…The effectiveness of such screening programs in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with colorectal cancer is well-documented [4,5]. In countries with high screening uptake, such as the Netherlands, which has a 64.8% coverage, there has been a significant decrease in colorectal cancer-related morbidity and mortality, underscoring the imperative of widespread screening implementation [6][7][8].…”

“…Among countries in the Asia Pacific region with high prevalence and mortality rates, Japan had an examination coverage of 11%, and Korea had a rate of 29.2%. Further assessment participation rates for these countries were 68.5% for Japan and 33% for Korea [ 8 ]. The significant discrepancy between current colorectal cancer screening rates in Malaysia and international benchmarks highlights the urgent need to improve the screening program significantly.…”

“…The screening process in healthcare systems becomes complex due to a lack of integration, causing coordination and continuity of care issues. Communication gaps, unclear responsibilities, and inadequate follow-up mechanisms hinder the seamless flow of the screening process and result in missed opportunities for early detection and timely intervention [ 8 , 14 , 15 , 22 , 23 ]. Additionally, limited access to colonoscopy services, long waiting times, and lack of coordination between primary care and specialist physicians can lead to delays in timely completion of the diagnostic phase [ 14 , 15 ].…”

The Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in Romania - ROCCAS - is Ready for the Implementation at National Level

“…Colorectal cancer screening dates back in early 1970s in Germany where guaiac based fecal occult blood testing ( g F O BT ) w a s p e r f or m e d opportunistically [4]. Systematic CRC screening programs were initiated in Europe in the early 2000s [5]. by adequately trained personnel, based on fully informed consent, and made available for the target populations across all socioeconomic groups [6].…”