Albania reports 829 new breast cancer cases in 2025

The Institute of Public Health (ISHP) has reported 829 new cases of breast cancer among women in Albania for the year 2025. While the incidence rate is seeing a slight annual increase of approximately 2.2%, mortality rates have shown a decline. Specifically, the death rate dropped from 18 deaths per 100,000 women in 2021 to 16 deaths per 100,000 women.

ISHP specialist Ediona Kola attributed the rise in recorded cases to factors such as an aging population, lifestyle changes, and improved awareness and screening programs. The increase in diagnoses is most prominent among women over the age of 50, whereas cases in women under 50 have decreased by about 0.9%. Additionally, 19 cases of breast cancer were recorded in men over the past year. Regional data indicates the highest incidence rates are found in Durrës, Vlora, Korçë, and Fier.