IAEA imPACT Review Mission Supports Paraguay’s Efforts to Boost Cancer Care System

The figures reflect growing demand for healthcare services across the full cancer care continuum, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care.

An imPACT Review mission conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in April 2026 has highlighted Paraguay's progress in strengthening cancer care while identifying key priorities to improve access, coordination, and treatment services nationwide.

The mission was carried out at the request of the Government of Paraguay as part of the country's engagement with the IAEA's Rays of Hope initiative, which seeks to expand access to radiotherapy and cancer care through technical assistance, training, and investment support. Paraguay previously hosted an imPACT Review mission in 2016, and the latest assessment evaluated progress achieved over the past decade.

Rising Cancer Burden in Paraguay

Cancer continues to pose a major public health challenge in Paraguay. According to estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the country records approximately 13,800 new cancer cases and 6,600 cancer-related deaths each year.

The figures reflect growing demand for healthcare services across the full cancer care continuum, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care.

Launching the mission, Paraguay's Vice Minister of Health José Ortellado emphasised the importance of a coordinated and structured review process involving both national experts and international specialists.

Nationwide Technical Assessments Conducted

The mission took place from 19 to 25 April and included technical visits and meetings in both Asunción and Encarnación. International experts engaged with:

• Public and private healthcare providers

• Academic institutions

• Regulatory authorities

• Organisations involved in cancer care delivery

Site visits to major oncology centres providing adult and paediatric cancer services were combined with thematic discussions covering:

• Governance and coordination

• Cancer prevention

• Early detection

• Diagnostic services

• Treatment modalities

• Palliative care

• Cancer registration

• Radiological safety

A national stakeholder forum was also held to review preliminary observations and help shape recommendations aimed at strengthening Paraguay's cancer control system.

Progress Recognised in Cancer Care Capacity

The expert team identified several important areas of progress within Paraguay's cancer control framework. These included:

• A legal and regulatory framework supporting cancer care

• National legislation covering cancer control, cancer registration, and palliative care

• The central role of the National Cancer Institute (INCAN) in coordinating oncology services

The review also noted improvements in:

• Cancer surveillance systems

• Digitalisation of healthcare information systems

• Expansion of diagnostic imaging services

• Participation in international cooperation initiatives through United Nations agencies

In the area of prevention and early detection, the mission highlighted:

• Structured national screening programmes

• High HPV vaccination coverage

• Free public-sector screening services

• Technical leadership provided through the National Cancer Control Programme (PRONAC)

Recommendations for Strengthening Cancer Control

At the conclusion of the mission, the expert team presented preliminary findings and recommendations to Paraguay's Minister of Health, María Teresa Barán.

Among the key recommendations were:

• Development and implementation of a comprehensive National Cancer Control Plan for both adult and paediatric populations

• Stronger governance and coordination across healthcare subsystems

• Reduced fragmentation in service delivery

• Needs-based decentralisation of oncology services

• Expansion and retention of a multidisciplinary oncology workforce

The mission also emphasised the importance of strengthening integrated cancer information systems and improving data governance to support evidence-based planning and equitable access to quality care.

Government Focused on Expanding Equitable Access

Minister Barán stressed the need to turn the mission's recommendations into concrete action to improve cancer care access across Paraguay.

"The challenge is significant, but so is our commitment," Minister Barán said.

"We want every cancer patient to have dignified, timely, and high-quality access to care, regardless of where they live," she added, highlighting the Government's focus on healthcare equity and territorial access.

International Collaboration Supporting Paraguay

The imPACT Review mission was coordinated by Paraguay's Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPyBS). The expert team included representatives from:

• The IAEA

• The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)

• The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)

• MD Anderson Cancer Center in the United States

The final imPACT Review report is expected to serve as a strategic roadmap guiding short-, medium-, and long-term actions to strengthen cancer control and future technical cooperation efforts in Paraguay.