Results of Evaluating the Effectiveness of Organized Oncological Screening Among the Working-Age Population in Kazakhstan and Abroad: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, 14.1 million new cancer cases and 8.2 million cancer-related deaths were recorded. In 2012, the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide were lung cancer (1.82 million), breast cancer (1.7 million), and colorectal cancer (1.36 million). The most common causes of cancer-related mortality were lung cancer (1.6 million deaths), liver cancer (752,000 deaths), and stomach cancer (723,000 deaths).

The most effective method for timely and early diagnosis of cancer, as well as for significantly improving treatment outcomes and increasing patient survival, is oncological screening. In the Republic of Kazakhstan, current screening programs are focused on visually detectable cancers. These include breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers. Over the past two years, pilot oncological screening programs have also covered the following cancer types: esophageal, gastric, prostate, and hepatocellular liver cancer.

Despite numerous studies, early detection of cancer remains a pressing issue. Over the past ten years, research has focused on evaluating the effectiveness of oncological screening, including both its benefits and limitations. Particular attention has been given to the achievements and shortcomings of screening programs, age-related differences among patients, and the recommendations proposed by researchers.

The literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases. A total of 1,254 articles were identified based on keyword matching, of which 62 studies were included in the review.