Breast cancer diagnoses rise in Czech Republic amid new awareness initiatives

Breast cancer cases are rising in the Czech Republic, with medical professionals noting an increase in diagnoses among younger age groups. At the Surgical Clinic of the University Hospital Plzeň, approximately 500 women undergo surgery for breast cancer annually. Dr. Ilona Zedníková reported that annual cases have risen from roughly 4,500 two decades ago to nearly 9,000 today. Despite the increase, early detection through mammography screening—which will celebrate 25 years in the country next year—allows for a 100 percent cure rate if caught in the earliest stages. Currently, 70 percent of cases are detected in the first stage.

In response to awareness efforts, the retailer Primark has launched a campaign to support women undergoing or recovering from treatment. The initiative includes a specialized product collection designed for post-operative needs, such as breast prostheses and post-surgical bras, which will remain available year-round. Primark is also donating over one million euros to oncology support organizations across Europe and the USA, including 150,000 CZK to the Alliance of Women with Breast Cancer in the Czech Republic.