Emilia-Romagna Region Committed to Fighting Cancer with Prevention and Innovative Programs
The Emilia-Romagna Region in Italy is making strides in the fight against cancer, with a focus on prevention, management, assistance, and treatment. The region has seen higher participation in free screening programs for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers compared to the national average. In a recent development, women who have undergone breast cancer surgery in the region are reinserted into the mammography screening program after ten years of follow-up at Senology Centres. This “return to screening” initiative aims to reduce the abandonment of the surveillance route and ensure continued monitoring for those who have undergone cancer treatment.
The announcement comes as the region marks the one-year anniversary of the establishment of the Regional Oncology and Hemato-Oncology Network. This milestone coincides with World Cancer Day on February 4, which this year has the theme “Bridging the cure gap – Everyone deserves access to cancer treatment”. The Emilia-Romagna Region is reaffirming its commitment to supporting screening programs, enhancing the quality of care provided by dedicated centers, and advancing proximity and precision oncology.
Raffaele Donini, the councilor for health policies, emphasized the region’s focus on putting the person at the center of their innovative model. He highlighted projects such as the long-term surveillance program for women with a previous breast cancer diagnosis and the strengthening of psychology services for young cancer patients and their families.
The region has also seen positive outcomes from its screening programs, with a significant decrease in the mortality rate from cancer across all three forms of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers. Additionally, the incidence rate of new cancer diagnoses has dropped, indicating the effectiveness of early detection and treatment.
The “return to screening” initiative for women with previous breast cancer is just one of the actions promoted by the regional oncology and hemato-oncology network. The network has also made advancements in personalized treatments based on molecular biology analyses and the establishment of Metropolitan Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Programs.
Looking ahead, the Emilia-Romagna Region is focused on implementing the National Oncology Plan 2023-2027, with strategic initiatives such as the extension of the colorectal screening program and the development of a single regional model for onco-hematological Diagnostic Therapeutic Assistance Pathway (PDTA).
The region’s comprehensive approach to cancer prevention and treatment sets a strong example for other healthcare systems, demonstrating the impact of proactive measures in reducing the burden of cancer on society.