OBJECTIVES: Cervical cancer (CC) is the second most common cancer among women aged between 15 and 44 in Europe. Annually, nearly 325.3 million women over the age of 15 are at risk of developing CC. Each year approximately 61 072 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 25 829 die from the disease. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the health benefits of early CC diagnosis in Bulgaria.

METHODS: An excel model was developed and health benefit data (Quality-adjusted life years - QALYs) from a CC screening program were modelled. The approach of PAP tests every 3 years with triage of ASC-US patients (HPV DNA test) was analyzed. A comparative analysis of the health benefits of early diagnosis of PCOS (stage I/II) versus late diagnosis (advanced disease, stage III/IV) was conducted. A comparative evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of early diagnosis of RMS (stage I/II) versus diagnosis of a patient with advanced RMS (stage III/IV) was performed. In a patient with early-stage CC, the following medical activities for disease control were costed: need for hysterectomy and radiotherapy/brachytherapy. In a patient with advanced disease, the cost of control includes the administration of platinum-based therapy with/without bevacizumab and medical activities for hysterectomy.

RESULTS: The results show that QALYs for a patient diagnosed with early-stage disease (stage I/II) was 25.64 versus 1.36 QALYs for a patient with advanced disease (stage III/IV). Control of early-stage CC is the dominant approach compared with treatment of late-stage disease - generating savings in significantly improved survival (+24.29 QALYs) per patient with CC.

CONCLUSIONS: Early CC diagnosis is crucial for maximizing treatment options, improving survival rates, and minimizing the impact of the disease on overall health and well-being. It highlights the importance of cervical cancer prevention programs and routine gynecological examinations for early detection and intervention.