Prishtina, July 20, 2025 — The number of new cancer cases in Kosovo is increasing by approximately 5% each year, according to Dr. Ilir Kurtishi, Director of the Oncology Clinic at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK).
He attributes this trend to a range of factors, including air pollution, smoking, unbalanced diets, and a growing awareness among citizens about the importance of regular health screenings.
According to the clinical cancer registry at the Oncology Clinic, around 1,070 new cancer cases were registered between January and early July 2025.
National data from the Kosovo Agency of Statistics show a nearly continuous upward trend in cancer diagnoses over the past decade.
Record Increase in 2023
The year 2023 marked the highest annual increase in new cancer diagnoses, with over 4,000 new cases identified for the first time in a single year. Dr. Kurtishi emphasized that a significant portion of patients continue to be diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease.
He also cited additional contributing factors, such as viral infections, use of contraceptive substances, and lack of physical activity.
The digestive system organs—including the colon and stomach—are among the most vulnerable to malignant tumors. Breast and genital organ cancers are also among the most prevalent.
Most Common Cancers in 2024
The National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPHK) reported that in 2024, the most frequently diagnosed cancers were:
Breast cancer: 640 cases (17.6%)
Other skin cancers: 587 cases (13.8%)
Lung and bronchial cancers: 312 cases (8.6%)
Colorectal cancer: 193 cases (5.3%)
In total, 3,644 new malignant cases were reported in 2024. Of these, 51.8% were women and 48.2% were men. The most affected age group was individuals over 60 years old.
Age Distribution and Prevalence
People over the age of 40 are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, with the highest incidence observed among those aged 60 to 64.
In 2024, cancer prevalence—the number of people living with cancer—was 288.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, while incidence—the number of newly diagnosed cases—was 227.4 per 100,000, according to NIPHK.
This rise in cases is linked to similar factors observed in other countries: demographic changes, environmental pollution, lifestyle habits, improved diagnosis and reporting, and the absence of specialized programs for early detection and prevention.
Capacity Challenges at UCCK
Over the last five years, cancer patient treatment at UCCK has increased significantly. However, the Oncology Clinic’s capacity has not kept pace with this growth.
The clinic currently has 110 beds for chemotherapy patients, but it continues to struggle with limited space, personnel, and equipment. Long wait times due to shortages of doctors and medications remain a serious concern.
Medical staff consistently highlight the need for increased investment—some of which has been made—but these are often insufficient to improve treatment quality or reduce patient overload.
According to a 2024 World Health Organization report, about 1 in 5 people develop cancer during their lifetime, and approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women die from the disease.
Dr. Kurtishi underscores the critical importance of regular screenings, noting that early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
