As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, healthcare institutions and professionals have emphasized the importance of early detection of this disease, calling for regular check-ups and health education among the population.

The Director of the Oncology Clinic at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Ilir Kurtishi, stated that this year has seen a similar number of new cases compared to the previous year, with over 320 cases registered in the first nine months of 2025.

Kurtishi told ​KosovaPress that this year, three male patients have been identified and treated at the Oncology Clinic.

“This year we have recorded the same number for the first nine months of 2025 as in 2024, around 320 to 330 patients. We have a plateau in terms of the incidence of new breast cancer cases. It is worth noting that this year we have identified and treated three men who received oncological treatment in our clinic,” said Kurtishi.

He emphasized that early diagnosis plays a key role in successful treatment and increased patient survival.

According to him, it is concerning that breast cancer is affecting younger age groups. Kurtishi said that over the past three years, women aged 40–50 have been increasingly affected.

“The key to successful treatment of this disease is precisely early detection, especially in stage zero or one, where patient survival rates are very high. In the past two to three years, we have seen a higher number of women affected by breast cancer compared to previous years, particularly those aged 40–50. This is a trend similar to that of neighboring countries, especially Albania and North Macedonia. We must firmly establish proper health education so that women undergo breast examinations even without any signs or changes, when the breast is still healthy,” he underlined.

Regarding reports of shortages in immunotherapy medication, Kurtishi clarified that the supply has been regular, except for a short period.

According to him, the number of patients is increasing, and treatments with this therapy come at a high cost.

“Immunotherapy at the Oncology Clinic is provided for cases with specific indications. The supply has been regular except for a very short period, but patients receive this therapy over a long period of time. The number of patients is increasing, treatments with this therapy are costly, and those who need it are regularly supplied and treated with these drugs,” Kurtishi stated.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health, in a written response to KosovaPress, stated that this year as well, a series of activities have been undertaken to raise awareness about breast cancer, including free mammography and mobile mammography services in municipalities without access to this service.

“The Ministry of Health, in cooperation with relevant partners, has once again undertaken a series of activities aimed at increasing awareness about breast cancer. One of the key initiatives is offering free mammography across Kosovo. For the first time last year, this service was also provided in the northern municipalities. Since early diagnosis is one of the key factors for more successful and comprehensive treatment, a mobile mammography unit has been organized again this year to serve municipalities lacking such services. In addition, throughout this month, the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo will hold informative and educational lectures to further increase knowledge about this disease,” the Ministry stated in its written response.

The Ministry urged women to consult the official websites of the Ministry of Health and the NIPHK for the mammography schedule and to undergo mammography according to medical indications.