Arya News - Bhutan has achieved high coverage in its national cancer-screening programme, reaching 91.2 percent of the eligible population between 2020 and 2023. But many cancers are still diagnosed at terminal stages, highlighting the continuing importance of public awareness and early help-seeking.
THIMPHU – Bhutan has achieved high coverage under its national cancer screening programme, with 91.2 percent of the eligible population screened between 2020 and 2023 under the Ministry of Health’s National Health Flagship Programme.
However, many cancers continue to be diagnosed at terminal stages, highlighting the need for greater public awareness and earlier help-seeking.
The nationwide programme screened people for gastric, cervical and breast cancers.
Screening coverage stood at 90.81 percent for cervical cancer, 90.17 percent for gastric cancer and 93 percent for breast cancer.
Despite the high screening coverage, a review of Bhutan’s national cancer screening programme found that many cancers are still detected only at terminal stages.
The findings point to the continuing importance of early detection, timely diagnosis and access to appropriate care.
Bhutan’s Population-Based Cancer Registry recorded 3,172 new cancer cases and 1,461 cancer deaths between 2019 and 2022.
The registry also shows that the number of annual cancer cases nearly doubled between 2014 and 2022, although it notes that part of the increase may be associated with mass screening.
Awareness key to early detection
Bhutan Cancer Society Executive Director Karma Tobgay said public awareness remains one of the most important interventions in cancer control.
“Public awareness is one of the most important interventions. It helps people understand the risk factors, recognise warning signs and symptoms, make healthier lifestyle choices, and seek medical attention at an early stage,” he said.
He stressed that awareness campaigns must be sustained rather than limited to occasional events.
“Ultimately, awareness is about moving people from knowing to acting; from understanding the risks to making healthier choices, recognising possible warning signs, and seeking timely diagnosis and care.”
The Bhutan Cancer Society has been taking cancer awareness messages to communities for the past 11 years, with the aim of keeping cancer prevention and early detection in the public conversation.
The reach of cancer information is also considered important. While screening and community programmes directly reach those who participate in them, the media can take information to a much wider audience and keep issues such as cancer warning signs and early care in the public conversation.
The issue was discussed during a two-day capacity-building workshop for media, civil society organisations and other stakeholders held in Haa on October 7 and 8.