Cervical cancer cases on the rise in Bulgaria

Fewer than 1,500 women have been screened for cervical cancer under the Health Insurance Fund this year. It is the second most common cancer among women. The incidence in Bulgaria is increasing. There is no early detection programme. The screenings under the health insurance fund are only for women between the age of 30 and 39.

The vaccine against human papillomavirus is the safest means to fight cervical cancer. In Bulgaria, the vaccine is free-of-charge for girls aged 10 to 13. But interest is not high.

"In countries such as Australia and Sweden, cervical cancer has almost disappeared," said Dr Radko Totsev, gynaecologist, hospital 'Maichin Dom'.

In Bulgaria, cases are increasing.

"Patients often come to us because of problems. In a certain percentage of the cases, they come when it is too late and we are sought for the surgical treatment of this type of disease," said Dr. Radko Totsev.

The Health Ministry has launched a campaign for free cervical cancer screenings. It involves medical institutions and doctors from all over Bulgaria who work with the Health Insurance Fund.

"It covers the age groups between 20 and 29 years and 40 and 49 years, no matter what the health insurance status is. No referral from GPs are required under this campaign," said Rumen Minchev, chief expert at the Methodology Directorate of the NHIF.

Women between the age of 30 and 39 who do not have health insurance can also be screened for free as part of the campaign. Ten doctors from “Maichin Dom” hospital will be screening under the programme throughout the month of November.

"The medical examination will include pap smear test. And a colonoscopy if it is needed. And if some pathology is diagnosed, the diagnosis will be expanded," explained Dr. Radko Totsev.

The nationwide campaign should be completed by the end of the year. There is also no early detection programme for breast cancer in Bulgaria. It is the first most common cancer in women.

"More and more women who are affected – young women, all over the world. The latest data show that not one in eight, but one in seven women is affected by breast cancer," said Dr. Vanya Mitova, Head of the Department of Surgery at “Prof. Ivan Chernozemski" hospital.

More than 220,000 women have been screened for breast cancer this year.

"The number of patients, who go for prophylaxis in the month of fighting breast cancer, which is October - right now, has increased. Incidence is increasing among women under the age of 30. Every week we have such patients. And there are really a lot of ladies in the age group between 30 and 40 diagnosed with breast cancer," said Dr. Vanya Mitova.

Breast cancer screening referrals are valid for two months.