Promoting Colorectal and Breast Cancer Screening in Moldova: A New Step Forward with EUCanScreen

On 26 June 2025, the Republic of Moldova marked a significant milestone in its national cancer control efforts with the launch of a new awareness and education campaign promoting colorectal cancer screening and the early detection of breast cancer. The initiative is being carried out in Edineț and Bălți as part of Moldova’s broader commitment under the National Cancer Control Programme 2016–2025.

This campaign is supported within the framework of the EUCanScreen project, which aims to expand and improve cancer screening programmes across participating European countries. EUCanScreen facilitates knowledge transfer, technical assistance, and strategic collaboration to ensure equal access to prevention and early detection services.

Empowering Healthcare Professionals Through Education

The campaign places a strong focus on medical education and capacity-building. More than 100 family doctors and nurses from the Edineț and Bălți regions participated in dedicated training sessions organized by the Oncology Institute and the Department of Oncology at Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy (USMF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the National Health Insurance Company (CNAM), and the National Public Health Agency (ANSP).

During the sessions, medical professionals received up-to-date information on:

• ✅ The importance of early detection of breast and colorectal cancer
• ✅ Implementation of national clinical protocols
• ✅ Use of modern diagnostic tools and epidemiological data in Moldova

These efforts are crucial, as breast and colorectal cancers remain among the most common cancer types in Moldova, yet are highly treatable when detected early.

Advancing the Goals of EUCanScreen

The Moldovan campaign is closely aligned with EUCanScreen’s mission to support participating countries in developing and refining screening strategies. It aims to:

• Increase public awareness and engagement in cancer screening
• Strengthen national screening infrastructures
• Promote evidence-based, equitable access to preventive healthcare services

This new phase of activity in Moldova is not limited to the north. It will soon expand to other regions, including Cimișlia, Căușeni, Cantemir, Cahul, Soroca, Ungheni, Orhei, and the capital Chișinău. Planned activities include public awareness sessions, educational workshops, and the distribution of tailored informational materials.