Advancing Cancer Care in Moldova

On 9–10 October 2025, the National Oncology Congress – 6th Edition was held at Radisson Blu Leogrand Hotel, Chișinău. More than a scientific gathering, the event became a platform for strengthening prevention efforts, updating national oncology projects, and engaging the medical community and the general public in the fight against cancer.Accredited with 15 CME points, the Congress brought together local and international experts to address essential topics that directly impact patient outcomes:
• screening programs and early detection
• personalized therapies and immunotherapy
• minimally invasive surgical approaches
• modern radiotherapy
• pediatric oncology and palliative care

The 2025 edition highlighted crucial achievements for national cancer control:

• 65 years of the Oncology Institute-a milestone that reflects decades of development, innovation, and commitment to patient care.
• 10 years of the National Cancer Control Program (2016–2025)-a decade of coordinated efforts in screening, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of cancer in Moldova.
• 15 years of the Oromaxillofacial Prosthetics Service-the only specialized unit in the country offering prosthetic rehabilitation for head and neck defects — improving quality of life for both oncologic and non-oncologic patients.

These anniversaries served as a moment to reflect on progress and to reinforce the commitment to improving cancer services for all citizens.

Awareness & Prevention – A Central Theme of the Congress

Early detection and education were at the core of many presentations and discussions. Experts emphasized:

• the need for stronger population-wide screening programs,
• the importance of public awareness campaigns, and
• the value of evidence-based prevention strategies.

EUCanScreen Team – Strengthening Screening Programs in Moldova

A dedicated presence at the Congress was the EUCanScreen Team, part of the first project implemented under EU4HEALTH. Their contribution enriched both the scientific discussions and public outreach activities. The team presented the project’s mission:“Assuring sustainable implementation of high-quality screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer, while exploring pathways for screening lung, prostate, and stomach cancers.”

During the Congress, EUCanScreen experts:
• engaged with healthcare professionals to discuss implementation strategies
• informed the wider public about the importance of population-based screening
• emphasized the value of early detection and equitable access
• Highlighted Moldova’s role within European initiatives aimed at reducing cancer burden.

Their participation demonstrated the project’s commitment to supporting the development of robust, high-quality screening services in the country