In Ukraine, about 140,000 people learn they have cancer every year. That is why early cancer diagnosis remains a priority of the Program of Medical Guarantees (PMG).
Early detection plays a very important role in the successful treatment of cancer.
“Two years of the coronavirus pandemic and now 104 days of holding back Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine have significantly reduced the number of Ukrainians who see doctors for preventive purposes. As a result, we will see more cancers detected at later stages, which will greatly affect the effectiveness and duration of treatment. We also need to take into account the impact of the war on mental health, because of which some diseases may appear 10–15 years earlier than the population average. In view of this, we recommend that everyone who is in a safe region take care of their health at the first opportunity and make a preventive visit to a doctor,” Minister of Health Viktor Liashko said, explaining why preventive visits to a family doctor are needed.
The PMG includes six tests that can detect cancer at an early stage:
- mammography — examination of the breasts;
- hysteroscopy — examination of the uterus;
- esophagogastroduodenoscopy (gastroscopy) — examination of the esophagus and stomach;
- colonoscopy — examination of the large intestine;
- cystoscopy — examination of the bladder;
- bronchoscopy — examination of the trachea and bronchi.
During these examinations, patients are guaranteed the following free of charge:
- a doctor’s consultation,
- the examination itself,
- analysis and description of the results,
- local or general anesthesia during hysteroscopy, bronchoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, cystoscopy, etc.
A more detailed list of services for each test is published on the website of the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) (items 17–22, the “Specification” file). The tests are free with a referral from the family doctor you have signed a declaration with, or from your attending physician.
Age limits apply to these diagnostic tests:
- mammography and colonoscopy are prescribed from the age of 40,
- hysteroscopy, gastroscopy, cystoscopy and bronchoscopy — from the age of 50.
Patients of these ages with a doctor’s referral can have the tests free of charge at healthcare facilities that have contracts with the NHSU in the relevant areas.
However, a doctor can also refer younger patients for these tests if a tumor is suspected.
In this case, the tests will also be paid for by the NHSU.
An operator at the NHSU contact center, 16-77, can help you find a facility for the test you need.