CA23151 - Mediterranean Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis Network (Medi-CaSE)

Cancer burden (in particular for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer) represents a compelling issue worldwide, and the Mediterranean area is no exception. In this area, the implementation of cancer control policies is heterogeneous as most high-income countries set up organized programs, while low-middle-income countries (LMICs) face more constrained situations. Either way, a general enhancement, considering implementation, organization, monitoring and participation, is needed. Despite broad differences, commonalities, that go beyond geographical proximity, exist in relation to socio-cultural backgrounds, and they can be successfully exploited in defining common preventive approaches.

The Mediterranean Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis Network (Medi-CaSE) aims to involve countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, to foster health systems’ capacities in the implementation of effective and sustainable secondary cancer prevention policies. Further, Medi-CaSE will form a common research platform in cancer screening, for investigating gaps in current knowledge with a specific attention to inclusiveness and innovation. 

Medi-CaSE can be valuable in identifying research priorities, collecting best practices, spreading and translating evidence-based interventions into clinical practice. Meanwhile, training and career opportunities for local professionals and young researchers will be provided, favoring a multidisciplinary approach. All tasks will be carried out with the early involvement of local stakeholders and policymakers.

Medi-CaSE has been conceived to face several challenges, considering local scenarios of cancer secondary prevention and current epidemiological frameworks. Actual inquiries on this topic are hampered by fragmentation, limited participation from LMICs, and lack of large cross-countries’ investigations. Medi-CaSE aims to deal with such issues, implementing joint experiences and limiting resource scattering.