TIRANA, Oct. 2 /AT/ – Albania recorded 829 new cases of breast cancer among women in 2025, while 19 cases were reported among men, the Institute of Public Health (IPH) announced on Friday.
Ediona Kola, an IPH specialist, said breast cancer incidence had continued to rise slightly year-on-year, a trend also seen in other countries.
“The increase is linked to several factors, including population ageing, changes in lifestyle, but also greater awareness and improvements in screening and diagnosis,” Kola said.
At the same time, breast cancer mortality has declined, with the rate falling from 18 deaths per 100,000 women in 2021 to 16 per 100,000 last year. Around 214 women died from the disease in 2025, according to IPH data.
Kola urged women to undergo regular screening throughout the year and consult their family doctors about individual risk factors.
Breast cancer incidence was highest in the regions of Durres, Vlore, Korce and Fier, while the lowest rate was recorded in Diber.
Screening services are available year-round at regional hospitals and three centres in Tirana. Two mobile mammography units also expand access to screening, increasing their visits across the country during October, which is observed internationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“I would urge all women, not only in October but throughout the year, to undergo these examinations, contact their family doctor and discuss risk factors,” Kola said.
The IPH advised women to contact their family doctors for information on the nearest mammography centre and the schedule of mobile screening units in their area.
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