During 2025, 53.4 percent of breast cancer cases in Kosovo were diagnosed at the first or second stage. Minister of Health Arben Vitia described these figures as encouraging regarding the possibility of timely treatment and stressed the importance of regular checkups.
Të lidhura
None found
The data were made public at the international conference “Breast Carcinoma and Its Challenges,” held as part of Pink Month. The meeting addressed issues related to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Vitia said institutions are seeking to expand screening programs and make it easier for women to undergo examinations. According to him, Kosovo’s first Action Plan for Breast Cancer Screening covers the period 2026–2028, while mammography at public institutions is offered free of charge throughout the year.
A mammography machine has been installed in Fushë Kosovë, while eight new digital devices are expected to be installed in municipalities where this technology is unavailable. A mobile mammography unit is also being used to bring the service closer to women in different parts of the country.
The minister emphasized that women diagnosed with breast cancer also need psychological support, alongside accurate information and support during treatment and recovery. He said they should receive answers, solutions and care in a timely manner.
Two new radiotherapy accelerators have been installed at the Oncology Clinic; one of them enables the use of SBRT technology. The clinic’s director, Ilir Kurtishi, said investments in modern equipment and new treatment methods have helped develop services for patients with malignant diseases.
Kurtishi spoke about advances in radiotherapy, the possibility of using new medicines and improvements in treatment preparation. The clinic has three radiotherapy machines and uses contemporary techniques, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic radiotherapy, which enable more precise treatment tailored to patients’ individual needs.
He stressed that patients should have access to new medicines and modern therapies so that treatment can be tailored to the characteristics of the disease and each patient’s condition. Among other developments, he mentioned improvements to the clinic’s infrastructure and the way cytostatic drugs are prepared. According to him, procedures for using automated methods in this process are ongoing.
The director said the investments and organizational changes are intended to make the preparation and administration of therapies safer, more accurate and more efficient, placing patient safety at the center. He said that further progress requires continuous investment, professional training and cooperation with international institutions.
Mentor Zejnullahu, director of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (QKUK), pointed out that early detection, quality care and cooperation among healthcare professionals are essential in tackling the disease. He said improving services and strengthening professional skills remain key goals of health institutions.
Zejnullahu added that the aim is for every patient to receive the care she needs by combining professionalism with humane treatment.
Discussions at the conference focused on the earliest possible diagnosis, advances in treatment and strengthening health services for women with breast cancer. Regular checkups and the ability to undergo diagnostic examinations remain crucial to detecting the disease in its early stages.
