Poland expands cancer screening with new lung cancer program

Poland is expanding its national cancer screening programs, with a new initiative for early lung cancer detection scheduled to launch on October 1, 2026. Funded by the National Health Fund, the program will utilize low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) to identify malignancies at asymptomatic stages. Eligibility is primarily targeted at high-risk groups, including long-term smokers aged 55–74 with at least 20 pack-years, and individuals aged 50–74 with additional occupational risk factors such as asbestos or silica exposure.

Despite these expansions, current participation rates in existing preventive programs remain low. Data indicates that mammography uptake for breast cancer screening among women aged 45–74 is between 20% and 25%. Similarly, participation in cervical and colorectal cancer screening programs ranges from 12% to 15%. Health officials note that while the introduction of HPV HR testing offers hope for increasing cervical cancer screening rates, many eligible citizens are not utilizing the free preventative services currently available.