Free Cancer Screenings in Ukraine: Who Qualifies and When
Armen Kacharyan, Medical Director of Ukraine's National Cancer Institute, is urging all citizens to undergo regular cancer screenings, even without symptoms. He emphasized that age is the primary risk factor for cancer and outlined specific, state-funded screening recommendations for different age groups under the Medical Guarantees Program.
- Women over 50 should have a mammogram every two years to detect breast cancer early.
- Women aged 30 and older are advised to get a Pap smear or HPV test to prevent cervical cancer.
- Both men and women over 50 should take a fecal occult blood test to help detect colorectal cancer.
Doctors report a concerning rise in patients diagnosed with advanced (stage 3 and 4) cancers, a trend linked to the pandemic, mass migration, and delays in seeking medical care. These free screenings are crucial for early detection. To access them, the first step is to consult with a family doctor. The second step is to obtain an electronic referral for the specific screening test.
The importance of regular screenings is increasingly critical as cancer incidence rises in Ukraine. The Medical Guarantees Program provides a vital opportunity for early diagnosis, which dramatically improves treatment success rates. This public health initiative is especially significant as the healthcare system navigates ongoing challenges, making preventive care more essential than ever.