World Cancer Day: early diagnosis, affordable treatment, and modern technologies in Ukraine

For the 27th consecutive year, February 4 marks World Cancer Day, an initiative designed to raise awareness about cancer and draw attention to its prevention, detection, and treatment. Ukraine has entered the third year of implementing its National Cancer Control Strategy until 2030, which covers prevention, early diagnosis, access to treatment, rehabilitation, and the development of healthcare infrastructure. This overview highlights how the government is stepping up the fight against cancer—from screening and vaccination to providing medicines and modern equipment.

According to the National Cancer Registry, more than 100,000 cases of malignant neoplasms are diagnosed in Ukraine every year. The most common cancers among women are breast cancer (22.2%) and uterine cancer (10.1%), while among men, the most prevalent are prostate cancer (14.9%) and malignant neoplasms of the trachea, bronchi, and lungs (13.3%).

National Cancer Control Strategy

In 2024, the Government of Ukraine approved the National Cancer Control Strategy through 2030, along with an Action Plan for its implementation. The Strategy defines a comprehensive approach to fighting cancer and covers the entire patient journey—from prevention and early detection to treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care.

Particular attention is given to the development of healthcare infrastructure, the introduction of modern approaches to healthcare, and raising public awareness about cancer prevention and early diagnosis.

Diagnosis and treatment of cancer under the Program of Medical Guarantees

Diagnosis and treatment of cancer remain free of charge for patients covered by the Program of Medical Guarantees (PMG).

In 2026, the government increased funding for cancer treatment under the PMG to UAH 7.53 billion, compared to UAH 6.4 billion in 2025, which made it possible to strengthen both early diagnosis and treatment. Particularly, UAH 3.03 billion was allocated for chemotherapy and patient support, UAH 2.94 billion for radiotherapy, and UAH 1.56 billion for the treatment and support of patients with hematological and onco-hematological diseases.

Between 2024 and 2025, hundreds of thousands of patients received oncology services under the PMG. In 2024, more than 942,000 people underwent early diagnostic services, with nearly 888,000 receiving these services in 2025. The most commonly performed procedures were mammography, gastroscopy, and colonoscopy. Meanwhile, the number of patients receiving specialized oncology treatment increased from nearly 153,000 in 2024 to over 170,000 in 2025.

Procurement of medicines and equipment

Medicines for patients with cancer remain one of the government’s key priorities. Over the past six years, the State Enterprise “Medical Procurement of Ukraine” has purchased 243 items of medicines and medical products for adults and children for a total amount of UAH 11.6 billion. This represents more than 20% of the Ministry of Health's annual budget for medical procurement.

Beyond essential medicines, the government continues to procure high-cost innovative medicines through managed access agreements, in particular for targeted and immunotherapies. To date, eight such agreements have been concluded. For example, at the end of 2025, the State Enterprise “Medical Procurement of Ukraine” signed a three-year contract with the manufacturer Merck Sharp & Dohme (USA) to purchase of the innovative drug pembrolizumab (trade name Keytruda) for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, with deliveries expected in early summer.

At the same time, the government is investing in medical equipment. In 2023–2024, 21 linear accelerators for high-precision radiation therapy were purchased at a total cost of UAH 888.4 million—all of which have already been delivered to hospitals. Over the past six years, 53 MRI scanners and 236 CT scanners have also been purchased, significantly expanding diagnostic capabilities across the country.

A particular area of focus is the development of nuclear medicine. Last year, two sets of equipment were procured for the first time to establish nuclear medicine centers in Kyiv and Lviv. These will enable the production of radiopharmaceuticals for PET-CT scans, which allow for accurate determination of tumor spread.

State reimbursement program “Affordable Medicines”

In 2025, the government took another important step: for the first time, cancer drugs were included in the “Affordable Medicines” program. Starting that year, patients with breast cancer could receive hormone therapy medications either free of charge or with a co-payment, including:

• exemestane;
• letrozole;
• tamoxifen.

These medicines are dispensed through electronic prescriptions, and their cost is reimbursed to pharmacies by the National Health Service of Ukraine. From July 2025, all pharmacies in Ukraine are required to participate in the “Affordable Medicines” program.

Cancer prevention

A significant proportion of cancers can be prevented through lifestyle changes and preventive measures. Reducing risk factors includes quitting smoking, maintaining regular physical activity, following a balanced diet, and managing body weight. It is also recommended to avoid excessive ultraviolet exposure, such as prolonged sun exposure and the use of tanning beds. Regular preventive medical check-ups are strongly recommended.

Vaccination plays an important role in cancer prevention, particularly against viruses associated with the development of cancer, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis viruses.

In 2026, Ukraine launched a free HPV vaccination program for girls aged 12 to 13. The vaccine protects against nine strains of HPV, including high-risk types that can lead to cancer.

Oncology screening programs

Regular preventive examinations allow the early detection of cancer and the timely initiation of treatment. Women aged 50 to 69 are recommended to undergo mammography every two years, with screenings starting at age 40 if risk factors are present.

For cervical cancer prevention, the following screening options are recommended:

• A Pap smear for women aged 21–65 every three years;
• HPV test for women aged 35–65 every ten years; or
• Co-testing, which combines both tests for women aged 25–65 every five years, provides the most accurate results.

For the early detection of colorectal cancer, men aged 50 to 75 are recommended to undergo a fecal occult blood test and a medical examination every two years. If the test result is positive, a colonoscopy is provided free of charge under the Medical Guarantees Program.