Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women in Kazakhstan. Since 2008, a national screening program has been in place, led by KazIOR, Kazakhstan’s reference oncology center. To improve the effectiveness of this program, reduce quality gaps and shorten treatment times, KazIOR asked C3Medical Consulting to carry out an audit of the screening program. The audit made recommendations that led to the implementation of a pilot project, including the modernization of mammography equipment and high-level training. The women’s imaging project started in September 2024.
The breast cancer screening program in Kazakhstan, led by KazIOR since 2008, aims to reduce female mortality. However, quality gaps exist between the centres, with outdated equipment and a lack of training. In addition, the treatment times are very long. These shortcomings affect early detection and the effectiveness of treatment.
AN AUDIT HAS BEEN LAUNCHED TO IDENTIFY WEAK POINTS AND PROPOSE CONCRETE SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE THE PROCESS, STRENGTHEN THE QUALITY OF SCREENING AND REDUCE PATIENT ANXIETY.
C3Medical Consulting conducted an in-depth audit of the breast cancer screening program in Kazakhstan. This work involved meetings with stakeholders, including KazIOR and clinics in Astana. The audit revealed several shortcomings: outdated equipment, lack of training, lack of quality control and lack of processes for diagnostic check-ups. On this basis, recommendations were made to modernize equipment (digital mammography machines, ultrasound scanners), introduce advanced training and set up a quality program. These actions have been integrated into a pilot project launched in 2024.
The audit identified the main shortcomings of the screening program: lack of training, outdated equipment, lack of quality control and diagnostic tools. These results led to the implementation of a pilot project to modernize equipment and improve the quality of screening. The introduction of digital mammography machines, the integration of AI and the organisation of training courses have optimised the process. This pilot project started in September 2024, with the aim of reducing quality gaps, shortening treatment times and improving testing in Kazakhstan.
