New free screening programs for cervical and colorectal cancer will cover over 4 million Bulgarians.

The Ministry of Health introduces two new screening programs for early detection of cervical cancer and colorectal cancer, which will cover over 4 million Bulgarians by 2030. The programs are part of the National Cancer Control Plan and will provide free, highly sensitive self-sampling tests for home use.

The first program will provide PCR tests for primary HPV-based screening, with women aged 25 to 65 able to take samples themselves. The second program will use a fecal immunochemical test for early detection of colorectal cancer in individuals between 45 and 75 years of age.

The Minister of Health, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Silvi Kirilov, stated that this is an important step in the transformation of the Bulgarian healthcare system, with prevention and early detection being the foundation of the modern healthcare model. The Chief State Health Inspector, Assoc. Prof. Angel Kunchev, emphasized that the tests are easy to use, painless, and highly convenient.

Virologist Prof. Radka Argirova explained that the cervical cancer program will use the most modern DNA-based test, which detects 14 high-risk HPV types, including types 16 and 18. Obstetrician-gynecologist Assoc. Prof. Iliya Karagyozov pointed out that Bulgaria will be one of the most modern countries with the introduction of this current and highly precise screening.

Gastroenterologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Petko Karagyozov stated that colorectal carcinoma is the third most common cancer, and in countries that use the fecal immunochemical test, a 20% reduction in cancer incidence and a 35% reduction in mortality have been observed.

According to the moderator of the press conference, Mr. Iliya Tasev, Director of the Public Health Directorate at the Ministry of Health, the two programs are currently in the preparation stage, and their implementation is expected to begin in October.