CanScreen5 Project: Enhancing Global Cancer Screening Programs

The CanScreen5 project is a global initiative launched by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in June 2019.

This project focuses primarily on breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening and seeks to establish a comprehensive repository of data that can be used for effective program management and informed policy-making. The core objective of CanScreen5 is to encourage and support countries in the systematic collection and utilization of cancer screening data, to enhance program evaluation and quality improvement.

The CanScreen5 project has already seen participation from 84 countries representing diverse regions including Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. By September 2022 quantitative data had been collected from many low- and middle-income countries particularly regarding cervical cancer screening. Here are five notable countries participating in this initiative:

1. United Kingdom
   • Notable for having one of the highest reported breast cancer screening coverage at 85.5%.
2. Sweden
   • Achieved cervical cancer screening coverage of 86.3%, showcasing effective program implementation.
3. Netherlands
   • Reported a colorectal cancer screening coverage of 64.5%, indicating a robust national program.
4. Bangladesh
   • Reported the lowest breast cancer screening coverage at just 1.7%, highlighting significant challenges in program implementation.
5. Côte d’Ivoire
   • Recorded only 2.1% cervical cancer screening coverage, reflecting the difficulties faced by many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in establishing effective screening programs

As of September 2022, 10 Asian countries are participating in the CanScreen5 project, which is focused on collecting and analyzing data related to cancer screening programs. The specific countries involved in this initiative include:

1. Bangladesh
2. China
3. India
4. Indonesia
5. Japan
6. Malaysia
7. Pakistan
8. Philippines
9. Sri Lanka
10. Thailand

These countries are engaged in efforts to improve their cancer screening programs through standardized data collection and evaluation, aiming to enhance program management and inform health policies effectively.

IARC:

“IARC is holding an in-person Cancer Screening in Five Continents (CanScreen5) Train the Trainers learning programme workshop in Rabat, Morocco, for 22 cancer screening managers and health professionals from 17 francophone African countries, with support from the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa.

Two more face-to-face workshops are planned in 2024; one in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the Gulf Region, and one in Bali, Indonesia, for Asian countries.

The three cohorts of trained experts will strengthen the dynamic global network of leaders in cancer screening in each region.”

Eric Lucas shared on LinkedIn:

Day 1:

“So rich experience to meet MoH representatives from 10 countries in South Asian region (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka) to share current policy of cancer screening, practice and data.”

Day 2:

“Day 2 of CanScreen5 Asian countries training: Discussion around integrated information system at district, regional and national levels with the success story of DHIS2 Bangladesh case study to monitor in real time cervical and breast cancer screening data.

Presentation of the summary status of cancer screening in the 10 participating countries for cervical, breast and colorectal cancer screening. Presentation of the key performance indicators KPI to measure the quality and improve the screening programmes.”

Day 3:

“Day 3 of CanScreen5 Asian countries training: Cancer screening ESOR data discussion and validation with MOH representatives from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China and many other… Data Quality is key to ensure data harmonization, data accuracy, and global dessimination.”

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