Slovenia Eyes National Stomach Cancer Screening After EU Project

Slovenia has completed its participation in the European Togas project, which sought to lay the groundwork for organized stomach cancer screening across the European Union. The project's focus in Slovenia was a pilot screening for Helicobacter pylori infection among individuals aged 30 to 34, conducted by the Ljubljana Health Center in collaboration with the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ).

The NIJZ is continuing to gather scientific evidence to support the justification for a nationwide organized screening program. They are preparing a proposal for expert review, following up on the earlier Eurohelikan project, which was co-financed and concluded last year. The initiative aims to reduce stomach cancer rates.

The proposed screening program involves identifying and treating H. pylori infections, recognized as the primary cause of stomach cancer. Additionally, it suggests screening for precancerous changes in the stomach lining and regular endoscopic monitoring of patients.