Analysis of the potential for identification of barriers to screening, diagnosis, and treatment of oncology diseases in Bulgaria
Bulgarian Medical Journal, 2024, 18(2), 13-18.
S. Karanyotova1, J. Arabadjiev2, M. Dimitrova1, Z. Mitkova1
1 Department “Organization and Economics of Pharmacy”, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University – Sofia
2 University Hospital Acibadem City Clinic Tokuda – Sofia
Abstract. Oncology diseases are the second leading cause of death worldwide and they exert a significant socio- economic and psychological pressure on patients, caregivers, and society. Each year more than 4 million people are diagnosed with cancer in Europe; still, Bulgaria is the only EU member state with an increasing mortality rate due to neoplasms. While medicine and pharmacy are dynamically progressing with an even more important role of digital healthcare, Bulgarian patients are being diagnosed at a later stage and their access to treatment is significantly more difficult compared to other European citizens. Barriers to screening, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term monitoring of cancer patients are present in Bulgaria, largely due to the economic and demographic profile of the country, as well as stemming from the legislative framework. Identifying the hurdles along the patient pathway allows for them to be overcome by developing the right interventions in the healthcare system.
Key words: oncology diseases, cancer screening, cancer diagnosis, cancer treatment, barriers to patient pathway
Address for correspondence: Stephanie Karanyotova, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University – Sofia, e-mail: stephanie.karanyotova@gmail.com