A role of National Cancer Control Programme during COVID-19 pandemics - experience from Slovenia

Abstract

Abstract Issue Cancer is a major public health issue. Countries should tackle it with setting up National Cancer Control Programmes (NCCP), which are especially important during extreme circumstances. In Slovenia, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we managed to follow the direction set out in the NCCP. Description of the problem Slovenia has had a NCCP since 2010. The program's activities are already yielding results at a national level. During the COVID-19 pandemic, oncology services in Slovenia were designated as an exception that should not be interrupted. However, the functioning of primary care level has been modified due to COVID-19 management. This reflected in the drop of new cancer diagnoses and temporary stop of cancer screening programmes. Results During pandemics timely monitoring of cancer care has been set up by Slovenian Cancer Registry. During the first wave more than 30% drop in new cancer diagnoses has been observed. The results have been presented to policy makers and general public. Appeals to the policy makers to resume cancer screening as soon as possible, communication campaigns urging people to see a doctor, if they notice any signs of cancer, and support for all providers to maintain cancer care uninterrupted have been initiated by the NCCP. These activities resulted in only 3 months stop of the three national cancer screening programmes, and enhanced activities after their restart; the cancer awareness was raised in the next COVID-19 waves, since the drop in the new cancer diagnoses during following waves (autumn 2020- spring 2021) reached to “only” 10%. And institutions related to cancer care have remained dedicated to cancer throughout the whole pandemic period. Lessons Coordinated national cancer strategy can have important influence on policy makers and general population, raising awareness and preventing major disruptions. Coordinated support for cancer care was crucial to avoid worse long-term cancer outcomes. Key messages • Strategic framework of activities through NCCP have important impacts on the provision of cancer care, especially during extreme circumstances, such was COVID-19, which diminish health care delivery. • Strategic framework of activities through NCCP have important impacts on the provision of cancer care, especially during extreme circumstances, such was COVID-19, which diminish health care delivery.