News Summary
A multi-stakeholder workshop held in Tbilisi on December 17, 2025, aimed to strengthen breast cancer care pathways through enhanced patient navigation. Organized by the WHO Country Office in Georgia and City Cancer Challenge, the event gathered various stakeholders to discuss the prevalence of late-stage breast cancer detection and devise strategies to improve patient journeys and access to timely treatment.
Tbilisi Hosts Crucial Workshop to Enhance Cancer Patient Navigation
Tbilisi, Georgia – A significant multi-stakeholder workshop was held in Tbilisi on December 17, 2025, aimed at strengthening breast cancer care pathways through improved patient navigation. The event was a collaborative effort between the WHO Country Office in Georgia and City Cancer Challenge (C/Can). Its primary focus was to address the critical need for timely and accurate diagnosis and to ensure seamless journeys for cancer patients, particularly in the context of breast cancer, which remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in Georgia, often detected at late stages.
Addressing Challenges in Cancer Care
The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from government institutions, clinical services, research organizations, and patient advocacy groups. Discussions centered on the current challenges faced in Georgia regarding breast cancer, emphasizing the prevalence of late-stage detection. A key objective was to map the real-life patient journey from the initial symptoms through to treatment, allowing participants to identify specific barriers that lead to diagnosis delays or disrupt the continuity of care.
Experts reviewed global guidance and shared both international and local experiences to inform the development of context-specific strategies. These strategies are designed to reduce delays across the entire continuum of care, encompassing everything from screening and diagnosis to the completion of treatment. The workshop concluded with a consensus on priority actions for 2026, aimed at advancing patient navigation as an integral part of broader efforts to achieve the targets of the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative. The integration of the WHO patient navigation framework with national priorities is intended to ensure that every patient can access timely care, ultimately improving outcomes and survival rates.
The Vital Role of Patient Navigation
Patient navigation is recognized as a crucial component in improving cancer care outcomes. It offers multifaceted benefits throughout the entire cancer care process, significantly enhancing access to timely and high-quality cancer treatment. Patient navigators play a vital role in helping individuals overcome the often-complex barriers within the healthcare system. They connect patients with appropriate resources and services, facilitating access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
Studies have shown that patient navigation programs can lead to substantial improvements in treatment initiation and adherence, with 70% of reviewed studies reporting positive effects on starting treatment and 71% showing better adherence. Furthermore, patient satisfaction with care has been shown to increase significantly in 87% of studies, while quality care indicators have seen positive impacts in 81% of cases. By guiding patients, providing education, offering emotional reassurance, and connecting them with their healthcare teams, patient navigators contribute to reducing disparities in cancer care, improving health equity, and ultimately enhancing survival rates. They assist patients in understanding complex medical details and treatment options, empowering them to make informed decisions.
Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Cancer Care
The WHO Country Office in Georgia has been a Member State of the World Health Organization since May 16, 1992, with a liaison office established in Tbilisi in 1993, which later became the Country Office in 2005. This office plays a critical role in managing and enhancing WHO’s collaboration within the country, advising the government on healthcare sector development, and implementing health-related activities in partnership with various organizations.
City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) is a Swiss-based non-profit foundation that emerged from the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in 2017. Its mission is to build a global community of cities and partners dedicated to designing, planning, and implementing effective cancer solutions, especially in low- and middle-income countries. C/Can’s approach emphasizes city-led, data-driven solutions developed by multi-sectoral and interdisciplinary teams that understand the local context. Tbilisi was the first European city to join the C/Can network in early 2019. Since then, it has successfully engaged numerous multi-sectoral stakeholders, culminating in the development of a City Roadmap for Cancer Care and the completion of six prioritized projects designed to meet Tbilisi’s specific cancer care needs. C/Can’s strategic priorities include strengthening health service delivery, developing healthcare workforce capacity, catalyzing health financing, enhancing leadership and governance, and improving health information systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the main purpose of the Patient Navigation Workshop in Tbilisi?
The main purpose of the workshop was to strengthen breast cancer care pathways through improved patient navigation and to address challenges such as late-stage detection in Georgia.
When and where did the workshop take place?
The workshop took place in Tbilisi, Georgia, on December 17, 2025.
Which organizations collaborated to organize this workshop?
The workshop was organized by the WHO Country Office in Georgia in collaboration with City Cancer Challenge (C/Can).
Who participated in the workshop?
Participants included representatives from government institutions, clinical services, research organizations, and patient advocacy groups.
What specific challenges in Georgia’s cancer care were discussed?
Discussions focused on the challenges in Georgia where breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, and late-stage detection remains prevalent.
What is the role of patient navigation in cancer care?
Patient navigation is crucial for enhancing cancer care outcomes by improving access to timely, high-quality cancer treatment, helping patients overcome barriers in the healthcare system, and connecting them with resources. It also improves treatment initiation and adherence, increases patient satisfaction, and positively impacts quality care indicators.
What are the future plans resulting from the workshop?
The workshop concluded with an agreement on priority actions for 2026 to advance patient navigation as part of the broader effort to achieve the targets of the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative. Strategies will aim to reduce delays across the continuum of care, from screening and diagnosis to treatment completion.
Key Features of the Patient Navigation Workshop
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | December 17, 2025 |
| Location | Tbilisi, Georgia |
| Organizers | WHO Country Office in Georgia, City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) |
| Primary Focus | Strengthening breast cancer care pathways, timely diagnosis, seamless patient journeys |
| Key Challenge Addressed | Late-stage breast cancer detection in Georgia |
| Participants | Government institutions, clinical services, research organizations, patient advocacy groups |
| Workshop Activities | Mapping patient journeys, identifying barriers, co-creating strategies, reviewing global guidance, sharing experiences |
| Outcome | Agreement on priority actions for 2026 to advance patient navigation |
| Broader Initiative | Part of the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative |