Improving Cancer Screening in Slovenia (ICSIS)
The ICSIS project is a collaborative effort involving the IARC, Erasmus MC from the Netherlands, the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, and the Slovenian Ministry of Health. The initiative is designed to address the growing need for effective cancer screening in Slovenia, particularly for lung and prostate cancers, which have seen rising incidence rates.
The ICSIS project is funded by the European Union through the Technical Support Instrument.
Objectives of the ICSIS Project:
- Supporting implementation research and the roll-out of organised, population-based cancer screening programmes for lung and prostate cancer.
- Supporting the upgrade of cervical cancer screening, including the transition to HPV-based testing.
- Conducting health economic analyses and strengthening Slovenian capacity in microsimulation modelling.
- Conducting qualitative and quantitative research on the perceptions, attitudes, and needs of target populations and key stakeholders in the areas of lung and prostate cancer screening, as well as the renewal of cervical cancer screening. Based on the research findings, national communication strategies will be developed.
- Engaging key stakeholders, including local health authorities, healthcare providers, and community representatives, in the planning and implementation phases of the project.
Additionally, it supports ongoing research initiatives in Slovenia, including:
- LUKA: Focused on lung cancer screening.
- PETER: Dedicated to prostate cancer screening.
- ZORA RENEWAL: Aimed at enhancing cervical cancer screening.
These projects are funded by the Ministry of Health and the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS), ensuring a robust framework for cancer screening improvements in the country.
The ICSIS project represents a significant step forward in Slovenia’s healthcare strategy, aiming to improve cancer screening and ultimately save lives. By leveraging international expertise and local resources, Slovenia is poised to enhance its cancer prevention efforts, making strides in the fight against this pervasive disease. The collaboration between various stakeholders underscores the commitment to public health and the importance of early detection in combating cancer effectively.