Review of the Breast Cancer Screening Process in the Astana Region

In light of the findings of the audit of the national breast cancer screening process in Kazakhstan, a project to update the national screening process was launched in two polyclinics in the city of Astana in Kazakhstan, and in the reference oncology center of Kazakhstan, KazIOR. This project consisted of the provision of high-quality mammography equipment, the implementation of high-level training for the radiologists and technologists who were part of the project, and the definition and monitoring of processes in order to improve the level of quality of the screening process

Customer

Kazakh Institute of Oncology and Radiology

Location
Central Asia
Duration
8 months
SectorOncology
ServiceTraining and change management

Mission details

Context & challenges

The women’s imaging pilot project in Kazakhstan meets the objectives of the 2023-2027 cancer plan, which aims to improve breast cancer screening and strengthen the quality of the national breast cancer screening program. The project involves the implementation of mammography machines with a tomography option accompanied by an integrated artificial intelligence module to optimize the mammogram analysis process.

Advanced training modules are planned to train local teams in the latest mammography screening techniques, the use of equipment, the reading of images and the management of patients.

The aim of the project is to improve the breast cancer screening process in Kazakhstan in order to enable patients to be treated earlier and more effectively in the event of cancer detection

Project description

The project involved a multi-stage review of breast cancer screening in Kazakhstan. An innovative and 100% French technical solution including mammography machines from DMS Imaging, ultrasound scanners from Sonoscanner and an artificial intelligence module from Hera-Mi. This solution includes 3D tomography and a second reading assisted by artificial intelligence software.

Training courses have been organized with Forcomed to improve the skills of radiologists and technologists in epidemiology, quality control and patient positioning. The equipment was installed in two polyclinics in Astana and at the Kazior center. C3Medical has also updated the screening algorithm, optimized the organization of quality and defined methods of continuous training and equipment maintenance methods.

Results

The impacts of this project are expected in the short/medium term, particularly in terms of the rate of cancer detected in the polyclinics where the equipment will be installed, but also in the longer term in terms of the organizational benefits associated with the management of more cancer cases.