STRIVE

STRIVE – Improving Breast Cancer Screening in Latvia

Within the framework of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) “Cancer Prevention Research Grant” project titled “Screening, Training, and Implementation Research for Improved Breast Cancer Detection and Evaluation” (STRIVE), a comprehensive breast cancer screening quality assurance program is being introduced in Latvia, based on the Dutch model. The goal of the project is to improve breast cancer screening by ensuring an effective and high-quality process.

Breast Cancer – A Significant Health Issue in Latvia

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women and remains one of the leading causes of both morbidity and mortality in Latvia. Although a national screening program was introduced in 2009, incidence and mortality rates remain high. One of the main reasons is insufficient quality control and diagnostic accuracy in screening. The STRIVE project aims to adapt and implement a Dutch-experience-based quality assurance system.

STRIVE Project Activities

- Development and implementation of a breast cancer screening quality control protocol  
- Training for screening personnel (radiologists, radiographers, and medical physicists)  
- Establishment and implementation of an audit system to improve screening effectiveness and reduce false positives and negatives  
- Cooperation with Latvian health policy makers to ensure sustainable integration of the program into the national healthcare system  

Project Partners and Timeline

The project is implemented by the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine at the University of Latvia, in collaboration with the Dutch Expert Centre for Screening (LRCB). The main partners are the University of Latvia and LRCB, working together with local healthcare institutions and policy makers.

Project implementation period: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026  

Total project funding: EUR 497,830, provided by the UICC Cancer Prevention Research Grant

Project Impact and Sustainability

The STRIVE project will result in the creation of a **sustainable quality assurance mechanism** for breast cancer screening, enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses and reducing unnecessary repeat examinations. The project is expected to serve as a **model that can be adapted and implemented in other European countries** facing similar healthcare system challenges.

Project Leader from the University of Latvia: Dr. Ilze Eņģele  

Contact: dace_signija.mice@lu.lv