Vienna Initiates Implementation Phase of Population-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Project

The city of Vienna has confirmed the commencement of the implementation phase for a comprehensive, population-based colorectal cancer screening pilot project. This initiative, approved by the Vienna Target Control Commission (WZK), is set to launch citywide screening measures in 2026, aiming to enhance early detection and improve healthcare outcomes for residents.

Advancing Colorectal Cancer Prevention

Colorectal cancer remains one of the three most prevalent cancer types among both men and women in Austria. Despite widespread adoption of organized, population-targeted screening programs across several European Union nations, Austria has yet to establish a nationwide, systematic screening initiative. The European Commission has set an objective to make such screening accessible to 90 percent of eligible individuals aged 45 to 75 by 2025, thereby facilitating low-threshold access to early diagnostic services.

Preparatory work, including project planning, tendering, and commissioning for Vienna's pilot screening program, was previously approved and is nearing completion by the end of the year. With the latest resolution, Vienna will begin full-scale implementation of the screening project in accordance with the recommendations from the national screening committee. The overarching goal is to ensure seamless, accessible early detection services, thereby increasing the likelihood of timely interventions and successful treatment outcomes.

Establishment of Sexual Health Center

In addition to the cancer screening initiative, Vienna will also open a new Center for Sexual Health at the Aidshilfe Wien location in 2026. This center is designed to address the growing incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and respond to advancements in medical prevention and treatment. It will offer prevention strategies--including PrEP and PEP--vaccinations, diagnostics, and treatment for STIs in an accessible, community-focused environment.

By consolidating medical expertise and integrating social work approaches for vulnerable populations, including multilingual services, the center aims to relieve pressure on both primary and specialized healthcare services. It is positioned as a flagship project for the city, focusing on comprehensive sexual health care and prevention.

Integrated Women's Health Centers

To further improve healthcare delivery for women, Vienna will establish its first integrated Women's Health Center. This facility will bring together specialists in gynecology, obstetrics, urology, and internal medicine, alongside midwives, certified health and nursing professionals, and clinical assistants. The team will also include experts in psychotherapy, physiotherapy, dietetics, and social work, allowing for multidisciplinary collaboration.

The center is designed to provide centralized prevention services, rapid diagnostics, and advanced treatment options for a wide range of women's health issues, such as endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy complications, urinary incontinence, and menopausal symptoms. The project's development and extension were previously authorized, and the commission has now approved the center's ongoing operations. Plans are in place for the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) to issue tenders for two additional women's health centers each year between 2026 and 2028.

These coordinated efforts reflect Vienna's commitment to advancing preventive healthcare and improving the accessibility and quality of medical services for its population. By initiating structured screening and integrated health centers, the city aims to set new standards in public health and preventive care.