Misinformation, embarrassment and the belief that cancer cannot be treated discourage many women in Albania from attending screening examinations, particularly outside larger cities. As Dr Aurora Dollenberg from the Albanian Medical Federation for Europe (AMFE) notes: “There is no tradition of a general check-up, unlike for women in Germany.” 

Structural gaps reinforce these barriers. Albania does not yet have fully organised, nationwide screening programmes for breast, cervical or colorectal cancer. While services such as mammography, pap tests and colonoscopies do exist, they are often concentrated in urban areas and require out-of-pocket payment.  

This is where AMFE stepped in. The diaspora organisation mobilised Albanian health professionals living and working across Europe to transfer medical expertise back to Albania, with the aim of strengthening prevention and improving early detection. Together with its local partner, Europa Donna Albania (EDA), AMFE focused on two key groups: women aged 20 to 50, who show particularly low screening rates, and healthcare professionals, who play a critical role in counselling patients. 

 AMFE contributed scientific content, international speakers and professional training, drawing on the experience of diaspora specialists working within EU health systems. EDA complemented this with strong community outreach, local coordination and direct engagement with women, schools and the wider public. The joint goal was not only to share up-to-date medical knowledge, but also to improve how cancer prevention and screening are communicated in everyday practice. 

Between 2023 and 2024, the initiative delivered a broad set of activities: two medical conferences, six online webinars for health professionals, two school outreach sessions and two public awareness campaigns in central Tirana. In total, more than 800 people were reached directly, including around 100 conference participants, 200 medical professionals and at least 500 women and community members. An additional 10,000 people were reached indirectly through digital outreach. 

Healthcare professionals gained up-to-date, evidence-based knowledge on cancer prevention and early detection, alongside practical skills in patient-centred counselling. Particular emphasis was placed on addressing cultural barriers, fear of diagnosis and persistent myths around cancer.  

The impact quickly became tangible. According to EDA, one webinar participant was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer shortly after attending the session. An outcome described by the implementing team as “the most powerful evidence that awareness saves lives.”  

Beyond individual cases, the initiative has helped shift attitudes at community level. Women who once hesitated to attend screenings are now volunteering at awareness events, and health professionals actively share materials with their patients. According to EDA, volunteer engagement has increased by around 20 to 30 per cent compared to previous years, helping sustain momentum beyond the project period. As Dr Dollenberg explains: “This project didn’t just educate women, it gave them courage, and courage is the first step toward prevention.” 

Building on these results, AMFE and EDA are exploring mobile screening and digital diagnostic units to reach women in rural areas. A multi-city cancer awareness webinar series is planned for 2025–2026.  

Further information on the offers available to the Albanian diaspora can be found below.