Uzbekistan to adopt national cancer control program for 2026-2035

Uzbekistan is set to implement a comprehensive National Program for Combating Oncological Diseases covering the period of 2026-2035. A draft resolution has been developed to outline the strategic goals for the next decade, focusing on early detection, modernizing treatment, and significantly improving patient outcomes.

According to the Ministry of Health, the draft resolution "On measures to implement the National Program of Uzbekistan for Combating Oncological Diseases for 2026-2035" aims to transform the country's approach to cancer care. The initiative follows the 2025 approval of a separate strategy dedicated to pediatric oncology, which seeks to reduce child mortality by 2.5 times.

Key objectives for 2026-2035

The program establishes several measurable benchmarks to track the progress of oncology services across the Republic:

Early detection: Increasing the rate of early-stage cancer identification from the current 45% to 59%.
Survival rates: Raising the five-year survival rate for cancer patients from 40% to 55%.
Modernized care: Ensuring at least 80% of oncology patients have access to advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies.
Prevention: Achieving a 5% reduction in the incidence of common and preventable cancers, including lung, cervical, stomach, and liver cancer.

A pivotal component of the program is the reorganization of the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Oncology and Medical Radiology, which will be transformed into the National Oncology Center.

This restructuring is intended to centralize expertise and streamline the implementation of international standards for early detection and treatment. By aligning local protocols with global best practices, the Ministry of Health aims to provide a more robust safety net for the population.