Emilia-Romagna Leads in Oncological Screening Participation, New Campaign Aims to Further Increase Involvement
In a recent report, Emilia-Romagna has shown significant success in maintaining pre-pandemic levels of participation in oncological screening programs for the early detection and treatment of colorectal, cervical, and breast cancer. Not only are all three screenings above the national average, but there has also been a 3% increase in cervical screening participation over the last three years.
The Department of Health Policies in Emilia-Romagna has been monitoring the data and as of December 31, 2023, the region continues to excel in providing free screening programs to eligible citizens. The councilor for health policies, Raffaele Donini, emphasized the importance of prevention and early diagnosis, stating that “just a few minutes are enough to take care of your health.”
For 2023, the numbers reflect a positive trend in screening participation. A total of 360,000 women underwent mammography, 200,000 did the Pap test or HPV test, and 300,000 individuals completed the fecal occult blood test. The region has seen a 71% participation rate for mammography screening, 66% for cervical cancer screening, and 53% for colorectal cancer screening.
Despite the progress made, there is still room for improvement, especially in the prevention of colorectal cancer, which remains a leading cause of mortality. The new regional campaign, “5 minutes worth a lifetime,” aims to further encourage participation in the screening programs. The campaign, supported by the Ministry of Health, includes video content and posters on buses and at stops to raise awareness about the importance of early detection.
The success of the oncological screening programs in Emilia-Romagna highlights the effectiveness of integrated networks and a multidisciplinary approach to cancer prevention and treatment. Through increased participation and early diagnosis, the region hopes to continue reducing cancer incidence and mortality rates, ultimately saving lives through timely interventions.