- Funding Programme
- Year
- 2021
Improving cancer care coordination and screening (ICCCS)
The ICCCS project aimed to enhance cancer care coordination and screening in Latvia and Slovakia, funded by the EU's Technical Support Instrument. The general objective of the ICCCS project was to propose a strategic plan and a roadmap tailored to the needs and expectations of Latvia and Slovakia regarding improving cancer care coordination, cancer screening and reduction of cancer mortality in both countries.
Context
The ICCCS project was initiated to address significant challenges in cancer care within Latvia and Slovakia, where high cancer mortality rates and low screening participation posed major health concerns. Both countries faced issues with outdated data systems and fragmented approaches to cancer screening and cancer care coordination. The project sought to enhance cancer care coordination, improve population-based cancer screening programmes, and increase public awareness. Engaging diverse stakeholders and modernizing legacy systems were critical challenges encountered in striving to improve cancer outcomes and reduce mortality rates. By addressing these challenges and aligning with "Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan", both countries are poised to achieve advancements in cancer control, benefiting patients and stakeholders alike.
Support delivered
The project was financed with funds from the EU funding program "Technical Support Instrument" (TSI). It was initiated by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM) following a request by the Latvian and Slovak Ministries of Health. The support was provided by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The project involved comprehensive assessments, the creation of strategic plans and roadmaps, and the development of technical guidelines for data management. Additionally, it provided capacity-building activities and engaged local stakeholders to ensure effective implementation. These activities were designed to address national cancer care challenges and align with EU health improvement goals.
Results achieved
The ICCCS project achieved significant advancements in cancer care coordination for Latvia and Slovakia by engaging stakeholders to implement strategic improvements. It resulted in the creation of actionable plans and roadmaps for population-based cancer screening and comprehensive care infrastructure, promoting informed guidance for health ministries. The project delivered technical specifications for registries/information systems, and raised public awareness to boost screening participation rates. As a direct benefit, Latvia is expected to enhance screening quality assurance, develop an information system for program monitoring, and advance towards an accredited cancer care network. Slovakia will enhance screening quality and establish a tailored monitoring system, fostering increased screening awareness and participation. These initiatives are anticipated to reduce cancer mortality rates and improve health outcomes for citizens.
More about the project
You can read the documents related to the project here: