October is traditionally dedicated worldwide to the fight against breast cancer. The pink ribbon has become the international symbol of this campaign, and attention to early diagnosis and treatment accessibility is amplified every year. According to the Electronic Healthcare System (eHealth), as of October 5, 2026, the diagnosis of "malignant breast neoplasm" was registered in 217,404 patients in Ukraine. Of these, 17,443 cases are newly established diagnoses since the beginning of the current year. These figures emphasize how important it is for every woman to know when and how she can undergo screening without financial barriers.
Mammography under the Medical Guarantees Program: Who and How to Get Tested for Free
One of the key methods for early detection of breast cancer is mammography, an X-ray examination that allows the detection of changes in breast tissues that are not always visible during a routine examination. Under the NHSC Medical Guarantees Program, this examination is available free of charge. The "Mammography" package covers women aged 45 and older, as well as female patients with risk factors. To undergo the examination, you need an electronic referral from a primary care physician (with whom you have signed a declaration) or a specialized attending physician. As a general rule, mammography is performed once every two years, and annually for patients at risk. If a woman is not yet 45 years old, but the doctor sees medical indications, the examination is also conducted free of charge, but under a different package — "Prevention, diagnostics, monitoring, and treatment in outpatient settings."
What is Included in the Package and How to Choose a Clinic
It is important to understand that the "Mammography" package is not just a single image. The patient receives a comprehensive set of services necessary to conduct the study and evaluate its results, including recommendations for further actions. To date, contracts with the NHSC under the "Mammography" package have been concluded with 260 medical institutions, and another 1,064 institutions operate under the "Prevention, diagnostics, monitoring, and treatment in outpatient settings" package. The NHSC dashboard "Concluded contracts for medical services for the population under the program of medical guarantees" helps find a suitable institution. Crucially, the patient has the right to independently choose any institution with a valid contract — the place of residence or registration does not limit this choice.
Guaranteed Treatment: Surgery, Chemotherapy, and Radiation Therapy
The Medical Guarantees Program covers not only diagnostics but also treatment at various stages — from consultations and surgeries to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If, based on the results of the examination, an oncologist consultation is required, the primary care physician generates the referral. When the patient is already under the supervision of an oncologist, the attending physician determines the need for further examinations, consultations with other specialists, or hospitalization, and generates the relevant electronic referrals. The specific frequency of examinations and the volume of additional diagnostics are determined in accordance with medical indications and the patient's individual situation.
What to Do If the Hospital Demands Money
Worrying about the cost of treatment is one of the main reasons why women postpone a doctor's visit. However, breast cancer screening and treatment in Ukraine do not necessarily mean significant out-of-pocket expenses. If a medical institution demands payment for services covered by the Medical Guarantees Program, the patient has the right to receive these services free of charge. In this case, you must contact the administration of the institution or the NHSC, specifying the particular package and referral. Early detection of oncological diseases provides significantly more opportunities for timely and effective treatment, so you should not postpone a doctor's consultation if there are grounds for examination.
