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Every year, over 60,000 Ukrainians face either a suspected or confirmed cancer diagnosis, a figure that highlights a critical gap in healthcare. Ukraine remains among the European leaders in cancer mortality rates.

Why does this happen?

One of the key factors is the low level of public awareness about cancer. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, many oncology specialists have been forced to relocate or leave the country entirely. Often, cancer in its early stages does not show any symptoms, making regular screenings essential for early detection. For example, breast cancer can be identified through mammography when the tumor is as small as 1 millimeter.

If you suspect cancer or have already been diagnosed, you are entitled to free services, including:

1. Diagnostics:

• Mammography
• Cystoscopy
• Hysteroscopy
• Bronchoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Gastroscopy

Regular screenings are recommended for those over 40 (mammography and colonoscopy) and 50 years old (all other tests). Referrals for free diagnostics can be obtained from your family doctor.

Patients with suspected cancer are entitled to free diagnostics in outpatient and inpatient settings. This includes laboratory tests (blood tests, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, etc.) and instrumental examinations, such as MRI and CT scans, including those with intravenous contrast, as well as ultrasound, X-rays, endoscopic studies, and scintigraphy.

2. Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy:

• Treatment in outpatient or inpatient settings
• Radiation therapy and medical devices for radiotherapy
• Medications, intensive care, oxygen therapy, and pain management

The National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) covers costs ranging from UAH 51,368 to UAH 77,052 per patient for radiation therapy and UAH 36,807 for chemotherapy. For pediatric treatment, the coverage increases to UAH 130,848.

If the medical facility is equipped with a linear accelerator, gamma knife, or cyberknife, radiation therapy with this equipment is also included in the free care package. Surgical interventions, when necessary, are covered under the "Surgical Operations for Adults and Children in Inpatient Settings" package. This includes anesthesia, all consumables, and examinations.

3. Treatment of Hematological and Oncohematological Diseases:

• Free diagnostics, treatment, and support
• Laboratory and instrumental studies
• Transfusion support, intensive therapy, oxygen therapy, and pain management

The NHSU covers the treatment of oncohematological diseases starting from UAH 74,429 per patient.

4. Medications:

• Procurement of high-cost medicines by the state
• Medications from the National List for inpatients

The distribution of medications in regions is managed by regional health departments. Their availability in medical facilities can be checked using the E-Liky service.

Patients in inpatient care are also provided with free medications from the National List. You can verify if the prescribed drugs are included in the National List via the website or the mobile app "Liky Kontrol." Hospitals are required to regularly update information on drug availability on their websites and in onsite displays.

You can receive medical assistance and undergo testing in specialized oncology hospitals or multiprofile clinical hospitals that have agreements with the NHSU. For detailed information and referrals, contact your family doctor or the NHSU contact center at 16-77.

Remember: your health is your most valuable resource. Early cancer detection and treatment should be accessible to everyone.