Montenegro Health Minister Launches Cancer Prevention Programme Ahead of EU Accession

Montenegro’s Minister of Health Vojislav Šimun announced the adoption of a national Programme for the Prevention and Control of Malignant Diseases covering 2026‑2028. The plan, approved by the government last year, aims to lower cancer incidence and mortality while improving patients’ quality of life, fulfilling obligations tied to Montenegro’s EU accession process and aligning with WHO and EU EPAAC standards.

Key components include the construction of a new hematology clinic that will host the country’s first PET‑CT scanner, as well as the acquisition of MRI and advanced brachytherapy equipment through the cross‑border LIFE GATE project. Existing facilities such as HALCYON, True Beam 1‑2 and 4D‑CT will be supplemented to broaden treatment options. In 2025 the Institute of Oncology delivered around 260 000 services to roughly 13 000 patients. International collaboration is reinforced by the 4PCAN project, which integrates Montenegro’s national cancer control plan with broader European initiatives and seeks to build a regional oncology network involving health professionals, government bodies, NGOs and media.