Ljubljana, Slovenia – March 3, 2025 In a significant step toward advancing cancer prevention, Slovenia has launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving population-based cancer screening for lung, prostate, and cervical cancers.
The project, known as the Improving Cancer Screening in Slovenia (ICSIS), is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), in partnership with institutions including Erasmus MC (Netherlands), the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana (Slovenia), and the Slovenian Ministry of Health.
The ICSIS project, officially unveiled on March 3, 2025, coincides with the 42nd annual Slovenian Week Against Cancer. This year’s theme, “A New Breeze in the Fight Against Cancer – Exploring the Potential of Lung and Prostate Cancer Screening in Slovenia,” highlights the country’s commitment to tackling the growing burden of cancer through innovative public health strategies.
With a focus on lung and prostate cancer screening, the ICSIS project aims to launch pilot screening programmes for both cancers, a first in Slovenia. Additionally, it will support an upgrade of the country’s cervical cancer screening by transitioning to human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, replacing the traditional method of cytology-based screening.
The collaboration brings together the expertise of the IARC, a global leader in cancer prevention and early detection, with a range of national stakeholders, including Slovenia’s Ministry of Health and the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS). Through the ICSIS project, IARC will assist Slovenia in evaluating local healthcare infrastructure, engaging key stakeholders, conducting health economic analyses, and developing targeted communication strategies to ensure the success of the new screening initiatives.
“The introduction of organised, population-based screening programs for lung, prostate, and cervical cancers represents a critical step in our mission to reduce cancer mortality,” said Dr. Alice Piskac, Director of the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, during the project’s launch event. “By leveraging international expertise and research, Slovenia is positioning itself at the forefront of cancer prevention.”
The ICSIS initiative also integrates with ongoing research projects, such as LUKA (focused on lung cancer screening), PETER (targeting prostate cancer screening), and ZORA RENEWAL (a programme aimed at revitalising cervical cancer screening). These projects, already funded by the Ministry of Health and ARIS, will benefit from the technical and financial support provided by the ICSIS programme, which is funded by the European Union through the Technical Support Instrument.
The potential impact of this project is vast. Lung cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally, has long been under-screened due to challenges in early detection. Similarly, prostate cancer remains a significant health threat, often diagnosed at later stages. The ICSIS programme will help address these challenges by establishing evidence-based approaches to screening that could save thousands of lives.
The launch of ICSIS marks a pivotal moment in Slovenia’s fight against cancer, positioning the country as a leader in innovative cancer care in the region. As the project progresses, it could serve as a model for other nations seeking to implement similar screening programmes, contributing to the global effort to reduce cancer deaths through early detection and prevention.
With the support of the EU, the Slovene government, and international experts, the ICSIS project represents not only a local initiative but a global commitment to advancing cancer prevention and early detection in a world where early intervention is key to saving lives
