Analysis of the Effectiveness and Coverage of Breast, Cervical, and Colorectal Cancer Screening Programs in Kazakhstan for the Period 2021-2023: Regional Disparities and Coverage Dynamics.

BACKGROUND

Cancer screening is a crucial component in the fight to reduce cancer incidence and mortality. Currently, the WHO recommends highly effective cancer screening programs, including screening for cervical cancer (CC), breast cancer (BC), and colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite the implementation of a cancer screening program since 2014, an evaluation of the effectiveness of BC, CC, and CRC screening in the Kazakhstan has not yet been conducted. Study aimed to assess the effectiveness and coverage of BC, CC, and CRC screening in the Republic of Kazakhstan during the period from 2021 to 2023.

METHODS

Data for the retrospective analysis were extracted from the "Healthcare Statistics" database. Data on participants eligible for screening (n=8,167,184) for BC, CC, and CRC were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

In 2023, there was a noticeable decrease in the number of detected cases of CC (1.7) compared to previous years. The detection rates for BC (14) and CRC (around 1) per 100,000 population in 2023 remained almost at the same level as in previous years. The detection rate for BC was 0.74% in 2021, followed by a decline to 0.59% in 2022. In 2023, there was an increase to 1.69%. As for CC, the detection rate was 0.70% in 2021, it increased to 0.77% in 2022, but then decreased again to 0.53% in 2023. CRC shows a steady decline in detection rates. In 2021, the detection rate was 4.23%, then it dropped to 3.64% in 2022, and continued to decrease to 3.28% in 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

The data for 2021-2023 underscore the necessity for continuous monitoring, analysis, and adaptation of screening strategies, taking into account regional peculiarities and new challenges, such as the pandemic. Ensuring high screening coverage for BC, CC, and CRC is a key factor for the early detection and effective treatment of these diseases.