Health

Cancer control in the Czech Republic: Findings from the Index of Cancer Preparedness

September 14, 2021

Europe

Cancer control

September 14, 2021

Europe
Alan Lovell

Senior manager, Policy and insights

Alan is a senior manager in the health team at Economist Impact. Alan has a degree in Biology from Royal Holloway, University of London, and gained his doctorate from the University of Warwick. He worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Sainte-Justine Hospital, University of Montreal before receiving an MA with distinction in Information Studies from the University of Brighton. Alan has advised and worked on a range of projects for governments, health ministries, manufacturers, providers, insurers, academic journals, research funders and sporting associations.

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Cancer control in the Czech Republic findings from the Index of Cancer Preparedness is an Economist Intelligence Unit report, sponsored by SOTIO and PPF. One of Europe’s ageing societies, the Czech Republic faces a growing cancer burden. Its response to cancer has been strong, helped by a generous health insurance system, a skilled workforce and advanced infrastructure. But to accelerate success, more coordination of resources is needed, as is greater attention to patient-centred care. This independent report discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the Czech cancer response, based on parameters of the Index of Cancer Preparedness, supplemented by desk research, as well as interviews with local experts, who validated findings and offered additional nuances.
 
The findings of this report are based on the assessment of the Czech Republic using the framework of the Index of Cancer Preparedness, desk research, as well as interviews with local experts who validated findings and offered additional nuances.
 
Overall, the Czech Republic performed well. The country is ranked 8th among 29 countries examined in the Index, based on the quality of its cancer control actions.
 
It is in the first Index Domain, Policy and planning, that the Czech Republic is weakest, although it is still above the global average (ranked 15th). The most visible weakness is regarding a national cancer control plan. Even though a plan exists, it lacks details on implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
 
The country is ranked 9th in the second Domain, Care delivery. While the Czech Republic is a leader in immunisation, screening and early detection, some gaps remain. Referral from primary to specialised care can be slow, while follow-up services for children survivors and palliative care are not provided in a standardised way in all institutions.
 
The country performs well in the third Domain, Health system and governance (ranked 6th). Infrastructure is a particular strength, as measured by the availability of skilled healthcare professionals, and there are examples of intersectoral collaboration between the health and education authorities in promoting healthy lifestyles.
 
   
 
 

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