WP5 – Implementation of breast cancer screening

In Georgia, the national breast cancer screening program was launched in 2008, covering the capital Tbilisi. In 2011, the national breast cancer screening program was spread all over Georgia. Since its establishment notable progress has been achieved. However, the past 3-4 years have been characterized by a decreasing level of coverage. According to the WHO Review of cancer control activities in Georgia elaborated in July 2019, the breast cancer screening programme coverage rate in 2018 was 17% in Tbilisi, and it was below 9% in the rest of the country.

Against this background, improving the implementation of the breast cancer screening programme in Georgia is of vital importance and could be achieved by developing national guidelines and protocols for the implementation of the breast cancer screening programme; improving the access to the national breast cancer screening programme in the regions of Georgia; increasing the capacity of regional GPs and medical staff on breast cancer screening programme; contributing to the establishment of population-based organized breast screening programme as well as by raising awareness on the importance of the breast screening programme.

In collaboration with WP 2, 3 and 4, data will be collected on demography, cancer epidemiology, current screen performance indicators and costs and a road map will be developed to improve the screening. The actions in the road map will be implemented. The outcomes of the implementation will be monitored and the model and road maps will be adjusted to aim for scaling up the interventions.