Screening programs for cervical and colorectal cancer released for public discussion

The Ministry of Health has published the first national programs for organized cervical and colorectal cancer screening for public consultation.

The programs were developed in implementation of the National Cancer Control Plan and aim to introduce a systematic, organized, and traceable approach to the early detection of oncological diseases – a practice that has been lacking in Bulgaria until now.

The Ministry states that following identified organizational and financial problems in previous screening attempts, the development of actual national programs has been undertaken, in line with European standards and modern recommendations.

The cervical cancer program will cover women aged between 25 and 65, regardless of their health insurance status. The use of a high-precision HPV test is planned, which allows for the detection of precancerous changes years before the development of the disease.

The Ministry emphasizes that Bulgaria is among the few countries in the European Union without sustainable organized screening for this type of cancer, with mortality rates in the country being more than twice the EU average.

The colorectal cancer program is aimed at men and women aged between 45 and 75. Screening will be performed via a quantitative FIT test for occult blood, which can also be conducted at home.

Data shows that over 50% of cases in Bulgaria are detected at a late stage, while only 8–10% are diagnosed through prevention or early screening.

Both programs provide for the introduction of a national organized approach with electronic traceability through the National Health Information System, information campaigns, standardized algorithms, and quality control. General practitioners, specialists, and laboratories will participate in the process.

It is planned that part of the testing can be performed through home sampling to ensure easier access and higher coverage.

For 2026, it is planned that a minimum of 70,000 women will be covered by the cervical cancer screening and at least 160,000 people by the colorectal cancer program.

The Ministry emphasizes that early diagnosis is among the most effective measures in the fight against oncological diseases, as survival rates for early detection can reach up to 90%, while they decrease significantly with a late diagnosis.

View the draft projects for both programs here and here.