Cancer continues to be a significant public health issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it is a leading cause of death. Breast cancer is particularly deadly, claiming approximately 11 lives each week, making it the most fatal cancer among women in the nation. Cervical cancer, which is largely preventable through adolescent HPV vaccination and has a much better prognosis when detected early through regular screenings, results in about three deaths weekly.
Colorectal cancer is another major concern, taking more than 1,000 lives annually and affecting men and women equally. Prostate cancer also poses a significant threat, leading to approximately 457 male deaths each year. These statistics from the World Health Organization underscore the urgent need for focused cancer prevention programs.
Therefore, the study visit of Health authorities and healthcare professionals from Bosnia and Herzegovina Piedmont Center for Oncological Prevention within the framework organized by the “Comprehensive Research on Cervical, Breast, Colorectal, and Prostate Cancers for the implementation of Cervical, Breast, Colorectal and Prostate Cancer Prevention Program in Bosnia and Herzegovina” funded by European Union is of particular importance.
A delegation from Bosnia and Herzegovina included representatives from the Public Health Institute of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republika Srpska, and Department of Health of the Government of Brcko District, and UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund Office in BiH. The program, which took place between 17 and 21 March 2024, was organized in collaboration with UNFPA BiH and RETE NGO and is funded by the EU. The visit offered an in-depth look at Piedmont’s Center for Oncological Prevention with well-established screening programs for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer. This center recently started screening for prostate cancer. Through meetings with experts, facility tours, and hands-on learning, participants gathered valuable insights to enhance early detection efforts back home.
Learning from Italy’s Best Practices
The program started with introducing the screening initiatives at Centro di Riferimento per l'Epidemiologia e la Prevenzione Oncologica in Piemonte (CPO Piemonte), a leading cancer prevention institution in Italy. Dr. Livia Giordano and her team shared insights into Piedmont Region strategies for ensuring high participation rates, efficient screening, and early detection.
One of the most impactful visits was to the Breast Cancer Prevention Center, where Dr. Vincenzo Marra and Dr. Franca Artuso demonstrated how well-structured screening programs can significantly improve survival rates. At Presidio Valdese, Dr. Roberta Castagno walked the delegation through cervical cancer screening protocols, giving constructive feedback on how to align with EU standards and emphasizing the importance of services accessibility and increasing public awareness.
Connecting Local Challenges – Zenica as a Good Practice Example
One of the key takeaways from the exchange was the implementation of a screening program on breast cancer in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Zenica Canton, as a good practice example, that has been collaborating with the Piedmont region for many years to develop breast cancer screening programs. Although they face challenges such as outdated data and difficulties in reaching targeted populations, Zenica’s efforts in this area represent an important step forward for comprehensive health initiatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Dr. Andja Nikolic from the Department of Health of the Government of Brcko District reflected on the importance of the study visit: "This experience was invaluable for learning about well-organized screening programs. Early detection provides a much greater chance for recovery, and structured screenings like the ones in Turin offer a model we could implement in the Brcko District. We had the opportunity to visit the mammography center, understand their protocols, and explore how similar initiatives could be launched in our healthcare system. I look forward to sharing these insights with my colleagues and authorities to promote group screening activities as soon as possible."
Strengthening Awareness and Collaboration
Specialists from CPO Piemonte emphasized the importance of strategies to enhance public participation in screening programs, and Dr. Cristiano Piccinelli, underscored the role of data management systems in improving efficiency and expanding outreach to target populations.
Dr. Enida Imamovic from UNFPA BiH emphasized the importance of these learnings: "Raising awareness is fundamental to effective cancer prevention. The strategies observed in Turin, particularly those focused on community engagement and increasing screening participation, can serve as a model for similar initiatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Clear and effective communication about preventive services and their significance is essential to achieving this goal.
Bringing Knowledge Home
A key takeaway from the visit was the importance of structured, government-supported cancer prevention programs with focus on screenings. At the Piedmont Regional Government headquarters, discussions with local policymakers reinforced the role of international cooperation in public health. The delegation also presented Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress, including the first organized mammography screening initiative in Zenica-Doboj Canton.
"This exchange was incredibly useful", stressed Dr. Sinisa Skocibusic, Director of the Public Health Institute of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. "We gained insight into successful screening programs and the tools that can be applied in our country. The practical visits and discussions with experts were particularly valuable."
With new knowledge and strengthened networks, Bosnia and Herzegovina is now better positioned to enhance its cancer prevention efforts. The visit to Turin marks an important step toward implementing structured screening programs that can save lives.
Connecting the Knowledge to Local Action
This valuable exchange aligns with ongoing efforts to improve early cancer detection in Bosnia and Herzegovina within the Comprehensive Research on Cervical, Breast, Colorectal, and Prostate Cancers in Bosnia and Herzegovina project, funded by the EU.
Comprehensive Research on Cervical, Breast, Colorectal, and Prostate Cancers in Bosnia and Herzegovina” is a joint project of the European Union and the United Nations worth EURO 1.1 million implemented by the United Nations Population Fund as leading agency, and World Health Organization in partnership with the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, The Federal Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Republika Srpska, and Department of Health of the Government of Brcko District.
