The Role of the «Oncological Alertness-3» Program in the Survival of Patients with Tumors of Visual Localization in the Mangistau Region

Abstract

The study's relevance stems from the need to enhance the efficiency of diagnostic care management for early detection of malignant diseases, particularly tumors with visual localization, along the route of "Oncological alertness" to reduce cancer mortality. Additionally, relevance encompasses the critical importance of fostering treatment adherence among cancer patients, ensuring continuity of medical care, and improving the overall quality of patient care.

The study aims to analyze the activities of the Mangystau Oncology Center for the early detection of malignant neoplasms of visual localization as part of the Oncological Alertness-3 program.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of data on tumors with visual localization from the electronic registry of cancer patients in the Mangystau region for 2021-2024 was conducted. Statistical processing included: descriptive statistics of the sample; chi-square test; Kaplan-Meier survival curves construction; and logistic regression with Cox proportional hazards analysis.

Results: The incidence of advanced cervical cancer cases has decreased by more than half (9.6% in 2024 versus 22.7% in 2021); the incidence of breast cancer cases has declined by about four times (7.7% in 2024 versus 29.4% in 2021); skin cancer has reduced by over five times (1.5% versus 8.5%); the proportion of detected advanced cases of colorectal cancer has decreased by more than one and a half times (24% versus 40%); thyroid cancer has reduced by four times (6.6% versus 35.7%); and oral cancer has reduced by almost two times (12.5% versus 23.8%). Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that participation in screening for visual tumors, for which state programs exist, is a statistically significant predictor of outcome (p = 0.048). Failing to participate in screening programs increases the risk of an adverse outcome by 1.3 times (Exp B 1.34; CI 95% 1.01;1.78).

Conclusion: Due to the implementation of the "Oncological alertness-3" route, the detection of advanced visible tumor cases has significantly increased across almost all nosologies. However, the main factors obstructing the oncological center's effective operation in reducing morbidity and mortality continue to be the low oncological alertness among general practitioners and the shortage of medical personnel.