On World Gynecological Oncology Day, an event held in Belgrade, Serbia, highlighted the pressing need for increased awareness and support for women diagnosed with gynecological cancers. The event, organized by the Women’s Center “Milica” at the European House, aimed to address the stigma associated with these diseases and emphasized the critical importance of early detection and patient support.
Each year, more than 4,000 women in Serbia are diagnosed with gynecological malignancies, including ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancers. The conference underscored the necessity of early diagnosis and robust support systems to improve outcomes and reduce the stigma that often delays symptom recognition and treatment.
Professor Nebojša Tasić, Assistant Minister of Health, opened the conference, stressing the significance of World Gynecological Oncology Day as a platform to promote prevention and early disease detection. “Late detection leads to higher mortality rates,” he stated, emphasizing the role of organized screening programs conducted by the Serbian Ministry of Health. These programs aim to detect common malignancies and other chronic diseases early, thereby preserving public health.
From January to June 2026, the Ministry’s screening initiative targeted approximately 270,000 women across 53 health centers, achieving a 50.4% response rate. Dr. Tamara Naumović from the Institute of Public Health of Serbia “Dr Milan Jovanović Batut” shared that 1,531 positive Pap test results were recorded, highlighting the need for improved outreach to increase participation in these programs.
Professor Vesna Kesić emphasized that cervical cancer prevention is achievable through HPV vaccination and regular screenings, which can detect the disease in its precancerous stages. “Success in prevention can only be achieved through organized programs, and Serbia is making significant efforts in this regard,” she noted.
The Women’s Center “Milica” also presented findings from their campaign “Not Without Her,” supported by the Ministry of Health. The study, involving 1,133 women with an average age of 47, revealed that while many women respond to screening invitations, challenges such as scheduling difficulties (38%) and lack of time (20%) hinder participation. A significant number of respondents expressed a need for further education on HPV and prevention, with 76.8% willing to share their contact information with health authorities to facilitate appointment scheduling.
Vesna Bondžić, a prominent voice at the event, highlighted the importance of equitable healthcare access. “Every woman, regardless of her location or social status, should have the same opportunity for timely diagnosis and treatment,” she asserted, urging a focus beyond mere statistics to the individual lives affected.
Dr. Thomas Hofmarcher, Director of Research at the Swedish Institute for Health Economics, provided a European perspective, noting Serbia’s shortcomings in cancer treatment pathways compared to European standards. He identified gaps in prevention, screening, workforce capacity, access to innovative treatments, and palliative care. Cervical cancer remains a significant challenge, with over 400 deaths annually, despite being largely preventable through HPV vaccination and effective screening.
The event underscored the need for enhanced implementation and investment to bridge these gaps and align Serbia’s healthcare practices with European standards. The discussions highlighted ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Health and the Women’s Center “Milica” to tackle these issues, aiming to foster a supportive environment that empowers women to seek timely healthcare and overcome the stigma associated with gynecological cancers.
