Prevention can save lives, as regular check-ups and healthy habits can significantly help us maintain our health. This statment is recognized by the partners who successfully implemented the cross-border cooperation project “ON TIME – Through Prevention and Early Detection to More Effective Treatment of Colorectal Cancer and Breast Cancer,” under the Interreg IPA CBC Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2014 – 2020 Program.
On the Montenegrin side the participants represented the Institute of Public Health of Montenegro and the Publilc Hospital “Blažo Orlandić” in Bar, while their Croatian colleagues signified the Public Health Institute of Zadar and the Zadar General Hospital. Their common goal was to increase prevention, improve early diagnosis and treatment of cancer by enhancing the quality of healthcare services and raising citizens awareness about the importance of regular check-ups across the cross-border region.
The Institute of Public Health of Montenegro procured a modern device for stool analysis for hidden bleeding Through the “ON TIME” project and processed over 18,000 samples as part of the organized colorectal cancer screening. Additionally, educational workshops were organized in eight Montenegrin municipalities, particularly focusing on rural areas, aiming to better inform citizens about the significance of preventive check-ups for the early detection of precancerous and malignant changes in the colon and breasts. Healthcare workers were also trained through the project to improve communication with patients and motivate them for preventive examinations.
“Thanks to this Project the Institute of Public Health conducts analyses of tests for hidden bleeding in stool as part of the colorectal cancer screening using a new state-of-the-art device for this type of analysis. Participation in this project has provided us with a unique experience that has brought numerous benefits for both individuals and the institution. Participants have aquire new skills through teamwork, and the project provided them with opportunities to face real challenges in their field,” stated Adriana Vujović, an epidemiology specialist and the project coordinator for “ON TIME.”
Five surgeons were trained in endoscopic procedures At the Public Hospital in Bar. The training enables better access to services and more effective reactions in emergencies. Since receiving equipment as part of this project at the end of 2021, they have performed nearly 1,600 interventions and examinations.
“We believe that such an organization of work is of exceptional significance for timely reactions in emergency situations. Moreover, the availability we have achieved certainly contributes to the early detection of pathological changes and tumors in the digestive tract that can be diagnosed through these procedures. We believe that by participating in this IPA project and continuing our work, we have radically improved the provision of healthcare services, particularly in this essential segment of surgical and gastroenterological diseases,” said Dr. Igor Karišik, Director of the Public Hospital in Bar. The hospital provides healthcare services to patients from Bar, Ulcinj, Ostros, Petrovac, and parts of Budva, covering over 100,000 residents with the number significantly higher during the tourist season.
The total value of the project “ON TIME – Through Prevention and Early Detection to More Effective Treatment of Colorectal Cancer and Breast Cancer,” implemented from June 2020 to May 2022, is nearly €815,000. Almost €700,000 was provided by the European Union, while the rest came from project partners.