Ministry of Health: Over 302,000 Registered Oncological Diseases for 2025, Two National Screenings to Launch

Over 302,000 cases of malignant neoplasms have been registered in Bulgaria as of 2025, with breast cancer accounting for the largest share. This was reported by the Ministry of Health on the occasion of World Cancer Day, observed on February 4.

According to data from the National Health Information System (NHIS), a total of 302,450 cancer cases have been registered in the country, 51,179 of which are malignant neoplasms of the mammary gland.

The Ministry of Health informs that the first two national screening campaigns will begin in 2026 and will be implemented through 2030. The first will be aimed at the early detection of cervical cancer—a disease that ranks second in frequency among women aged 15 to 44 and is among the leading causes of death from oncological diseases.

The screening will include testing for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, where women between the ages of 25 and 65 will receive self-sampling kits for home use, regardless of their health insurance status.

The second campaign will cover colorectal cancer—the most common malignant disease of the gastrointestinal tract and the third most prevalent type of cancer worldwide. With early detection, the five-year survival rate reaches up to 90%, while it significantly decreases with a late diagnosis. Screening will be conducted via a fecal occult blood test for individuals aged 45 to 75.

The Ministry of Health specifies that the first deliveries of the necessary supplies are expected within two months, and the actual implementation of the screening programs will begin in the second quarter of the year.

In parallel, under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, 14 hospitals in the country will be equipped with modern radiotherapy and oncological diagnostic equipment to improve access to treatment in various regions.

The Ministry emphasizes that early diagnosis and prevention remain key to the successful treatment of oncological diseases.