Cancer incidence in Bulgaria is lower than the average in most other EU countries, but Bulgaria remains the only EU country where cancer mortality continues to rise. In addition, patients face rising healthcare costs and difficulty accessing timely diagnosis and treatment, despite an increase in public funding for cancer treatment.
Meanwhile, in the EU, new cancer cases have increased by 2.3% compared to 2020, reaching 2.74 million in 2022. In addition, cancer deaths have increased by 2.4% compared to 2020, according to data released by ECIS.
Cancer patients in Bulgaria face financial and organisational difficulties in accessing treatment, even though public funding has more than doubled in the last five years.
The number of new cancer cases per year remains stable at around 28,000 - 30,000 people in Bulgaria, and public treatment costs have increased from €320 million to €735 million, mainly due to the increase in the cost of oncology drugs.
Cancer patients in Bulgaria face many problems, as explained in the National Cancer Plan 2030. Such problems are:
Despite the creation of a National Cancer Plan and its presentation in Brussels, it is not clear to what extent it is being implemented. Bulgaria's efforts need to be coordinated with broader EU initiatives under the European Cancer Plan aimed at better prevention, early detection and management of cancer.
In women, the most common types of cancer in newly diagnosed cases include breast cancer, followed by colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer and lung cancer. The incidence of endometrial and cervical cancer is significantly higher among Bulgarian women compared to women in other European countries.
The main types of newly diagnosed cancers in men are prostate, lung, colorectal, bladder and stomach cancers.
In terms of ASR (age-standardised incidence rate per 100,000 people), the death rate in Bulgaria has increased from 229 deaths per 100,000 people in 2011 to 242 per 100,000 in 2019 and 247 per 100,000 in 2020, and remains at 222 per 100,000 in 2022. According to the latest data for 2022, the number of cancer cases in Bulgaria is 32,812, of which 18,794 are deaths, i.e. about 57.29% of cancer cases in Bulgaria in 2022 are fatal.
On the other hand, the EU average ASR has decreased from 268 per 100 000 people to 252 per 100 000 in 2020, according to the European Cancer Inequalities Registry.
In the European Union countries, new cancer cases increased by 2.3% in 2022 compared to 2020, reaching 2.74 million in 2022. Similarly, cancer deaths have increased by 2.4% compared to 2020, according to European Commission estimates published in the European Cancer Information System (ECIS).
New projections for 2022 for EU Member States show that 31% of men and 25% of women are expected to be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 75. It is estimated that 14% of men and 9% of women die of cancer before they reach 75.
Breast cancer remains the most diagnosed and prevalent cancer in the EU, with approximately 380 000 cases (99% of which affect women), accounting for around 13.8% of all cancers diagnosed. This is followed by colorectal cancer (356 000; 13% of all new cases), prostate cancer (330 000; 12.1%) and lung cancer (319 000; 11.6%).
The four most common causes of cancer death in the EU are estimated to be lung cancer (19.5% of all cancer deaths), followed by colorectal cancer (12.3%), breast cancer (7.5%) and pancreatic cancer (7.4%).
Europe's Beating Cancer Plan supports Member States' work to prevent cancer and ensure a high quality of life for cancer patients, survivors, their families and carers, and is structured around a number of key areas where the EU can add most value: prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosing cancer often begins with the detection of symptoms or signs that may raise suspicion about the presence of the disease.
Signs and symptoms can vary greatly depending on the type of cancer, its location and stage of development.
Here are the standard steps that are usually taken when cancer is diagnosed.
Common symptoms:
Specific symptoms depending on the type of cancer:
A visit to a general practitioner or specialist who will conduct a physical examination and take a detailed medical history.
For some cancers, such as breast or prostate cancer, genetic or hormone tests can be carried out to help assess risk and potential treatment options.
Once all the test data has been collected, the patient should consult an oncologist who will discuss possible treatment options and next steps.
Early diagnosis is the key to successful cancer treatment. Therefore, it is extremely important to seek medical help for prompt and adequate diagnosis and treatment at the slightest suspicion of cancer-related symptoms.
A condition primarily associated with smoking, lung cancer includes both small cell and non-small cell types. It is one of the most common cancers in Bulgaria, affecting both men and women. Routine screenings and imaging tests can help detect it early, leading to timely and effective treatment.
A type of cancer that mainly affects breast tissue in women. There are four types: luminal A, luminal B, HER2-positive and triple negative. Through routine mammography and self-examination it can bedetected and treated in time.
A type of cancer that originates in the cervix, often associated with persistent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Regular check-ups help early detection and prevention
Occurring in the ovaries, this type of cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages. This highlights the importance of awareness and timely medical examinations for early detection
Colon cancer originates in the colon or rectum, often beginning as benign polyps that can become cancerous. This underscores the importance of awareness and regular screenings for early detection.
