The Cervical Cancer Screening Program has been implemented in Macedonia since 2012. However, even after 10 years of implementation, there is insufficient coverage of women by this Program. This is due to several factors, including insufficient funding of this program, inadequate coordination between the various program implementers, and a lack of proper monitoring of program implementation. Therefore, the European Commission noted that there is no organized cervical cancer screening in Macedonia. All this results in premature mortality in women, which can be prevented because if cervical cancer is detected in time it can be successfully treated, and thus not only prolong life but also improve the quality of life of women diagnosed with the disease.
The purpose of this analysis is to determine the impact of delayed diagnosis of cervical cancer on women's lives and on the costs associated with diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care in relation to this disease, for the state and for women. At the same time, the analysis shows that by increasing the funds allocated for this program women's lives can be saved, women's lives will be extended and their quality of life will be improved, but also the state and women will save funds.
For the purposes of the analysis, data on costs incurred by the Health Insurance Fund (HIFNM), the University Clinic (UC) for Oncology and Radiotherapy, and the Specialized Hospital for Geriatric and Palliative Medicine were used, as well as data obtained from women suffering from this disease. The data from the HIFM, the UC for oncology and radiotherapy, and the Specialized Hospital were obtained through using the procedure for access to public information. The data from the women were obtained through interviews with 16 women being treated for cervical cancer at the UC for oncology and radiotherapy. 7 (seven) women were hospitalized at the Clinic, while 9 (nine) women were treated on an outpatient basis. Mortality data were obtained from the State Statistical Office.
What is the cost of not having organised cervical screening services?
