The Federation of Cancer Patients Associations (FABC) considers that a National Cancer Plan needs to be developed and adopted, with FABC representatives arguing that such a framework tool "is the only solution" for Romania to reduce cancer incidence and mortality and also increase the quality of life of cancer patients through evidence-based medical measures and the effective use of available resources.
"Cancer patients are extremely vulnerable to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the situation is exacerbated by the absence of a National Cancer Plan (NPC) that should have clear objectives for cancer control through: prevention and screening, prevention through vaccination, setting out of a clear path for cancer patients to follow from suspicion to diagnosis, treatment and life with cancer, setting in place clear strategies in critical situations that make the cancer patient even more vulnerable, urgently identifying solutions for situations where access to investigations and treatments is not possible for various reasons (bankruptcy, withdrawal of medicines from the market, parallel export), adequate population-based cancer registries compatible with European best practices, to ensure the essential tool for the implementation of the NCP," the federation said in a statement.
According to the cited source, a National Cancer Plan is "absolutely necessary" in Romania for the integrated management of the cancer patient.
"Regrettably, as we already knew from the surveys and patient data we collected last year and as recent official data now confirms, the pandemic has greatly impacted the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. Therefore, in 2021 we ask the authorities to make it a priority to ensure access to early diagnosis, treatment and clinical monitoring of cancer patients, including through the wider adoption of technological solutions that enable the provision of remote medical services (telemedicine, remote monitoring of certain medical parameters, etc.)," said FABC president Cezar Irimia.
According to the same source, diagnosis decreased last year by 30-40 percent compared to 2019.
FABC also calls for a public information and education campaign on the need for a free annual set of blood tests (with the recommendation of the family doctor).
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