Strengthening at National Level the Capacity of the Romanian Health Sector to Implement Organized Screening for Cancers Amenable To Cost-Effective Early Detection Interventions (CEDICROM 2)

About this project

<p style="text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Cancer is a major public health problem in Romania. Malignant tumors account for two out of 10 deaths recorded in Romania, ranking second place among the main causes of death after cardiovascular diseases. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="color: #000000">Among EU member states, Romania has the highest incidence of cervical cancer (13.1/100,000 Romania compared to an average of 3.29/100,000 in EU). One of the causes of this unusually large incidence of cervical cancer in Romania is the deficiency of the medical system in early detecting the HPV persistent infection and cervical precancerous lesions which, treated, prevents cancer. </span></span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="color: #000000">The project proposed to improve the quality of integrated preventive and curative medical services related to cervical cancer prevention among the disadvantaged population&nbsp;at risk living in communities from remote areas. The main project results are: 7,000 preventive cancer screening tests for vulnerable women, 1.000 vaccinations against Human papillomavirus (HPV), 1500 women treated with a mobile unit or in ambulatory care, 30000 women informed on cervical cancer prevention by the door to door campaign,&nbsp; 1 post-doctoral study and policy recommendations related on cervical cancer screening and quality assurance.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="color: #000000">The project is implemented by Oncology Institute Cluj-Napoca in partnership with Norwegian Cancer Registry. The partnership will support the exchange of experience for the implementation of effective screening programs and also the achievement of the technical quality conditions of screening programs to be performed in Romania. Also, the </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt">Norwegian partner will conduct a study using participatory action research (PAR) aiming to bring out knowledge about how the Romanian health care system can make robust solutions that facilitate women's participation, and ensure adequate follow-up and treatment of women when needed. Guidelines for screening testing and follow-up must also be addressed and amended. </span></span></span></p>

Bilateral cooperation results

The Norwegian partner conducted a study, which identified and made feasible proposals for how the Romanian healthcare system can provide follow-up and treatment to all women participating in the national cervical cancer screening program. A special focus was placed on women with positive tests in CEDICROM 1. Based on the study, recommendations and solutions were made that can be transferred and adapted to the Romanian healthcare system. The external partner also offered assistance in developing the research methodology, including the re-evaluation of the CERDICROM 2 results.

Project partners

• University Hospital Oslo Donor project partner· Norway