Figure 3.5. Nearly three out of five women had a cervical cancer screening in 2019, approaching the OECD average
There are significant differences in screening rates by socio-economic status, as Bulgarian women in the (Eurostat, 2022[11). These are the largest income-based gaps observed when compared to OECD 3%. There are also disparities by location, as most screening activities occur in urban centres, leaving those in rural areas with limited access to these important services (OECD, 2023[81). Despite the existence of cancer risk factor prevention policies and various health promotion initiatives, the overall impact has been limited (OECD, 2023[81). The National Cancer Plan, adopted in 2023, targets early detection with screening programmes for colorectal, breast, cervical and prostate cancers through to 2027 (OECD/European Commission, 2025[12). However, it does not mention population-based screening. The representatives from all stakeholders (national and regional health policymakers, the health insurance fund, the cancer registry, medical professionals, patient organisations, teachers, and community (such as migrants, people with low education levels or low socio-economic status and people with disabilities); and limited funding (in 2020, health prevention represented only 2.8% of total health spending