In Kosovo, 53.4% of breast cancer patients were diagnosed early; Haxhiu and Vitia: Do not put off check-ups

During 2025, 53.4 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Kosovo discovered the disease in the first or second stage, reports Ekonomia Online.

The data were presented at an event organized as part of “Pink October”, the month dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer.

Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo Albulena Haxhiu and Minister of Health Arben Vitia distributed oncology packages to women undergoing treatment for the disease.

Haxhiu said the activity aims to convey the solidarity and support of institutions for women facing breast cancer. She called on women not to delay their health check-ups.

She said that “Pink October” serves to raise awareness, while the visit to women affected by the disease aims to show them that the institutions are by their side and ready to address their challenges and demands. According to Haxhiu, the packages distributed represent a sign of solidarity and institutional support during a difficult period in the patients’ lives.

Haxhiu emphasized that the health of girls and women in the Republic of Kosovo is very important and urged them not to postpone their check-ups. She recalled that mammograms are offered free of charge and also called on the families of affected women to stand by them.

The acting president thanked the Oncology Clinic, its director, doctors, nurses and all staff for their dedication to patients. She wished the women facing the disease full health and long lives, conveying the message that the institutions and society are with them.

Minister Arben Vitia said that detecting cancer in its early stages increases the chances of treatment and recovery. He announced that, according to data for 2025, 53.4 percent of women with breast cancer were diagnosed in the first or second stage.

Vitia emphasized that these results offer hope and the possibility of longer lives, also mentioning women who have completed treatment and overcome the disease. He urged women to undergo regular check-ups and consult health professionals about any change, even if it appears minor.

“Do not neglect anything, get checked and consult health professionals about any concern,” the minister said, adding that most patients diagnosed in the early stages have now recovered.

The director of the Oncology Clinic, Ilir Kurtishi, said the institution treats almost all patients with breast cancer, regardless of the stage at which the disease was detected.

According to Kurtishi, investments made over the past five or six years have significantly improved the clinic’s standards, both in drug treatment and radiation therapy.

He said the Oncology Clinic is now at a level comparable to that of the countries in the region. Kurtishi emphasized that since the clinic opened in 2010, major progress has been made, particularly over the past six years, in treating breast cancer and other malignant diseases.

The clinic’s director added that oncology requires a multidisciplinary approach, continuous investment and adaptation to innovations in the treatment of malignant diseases. He assessed that Kosovo is gradually advancing toward positive, adequate and proper treatment of these diseases.

Kurtishi announced that more than 95-98 percent of cases of malignant disease among adults are treated at the Oncology Clinic, which is the only public service of its kind. He also said that 99 percent of oncology services are provided in the public sector, while approximately 0.5 percent or 1 percent are provided in the private sector.