In the early stages, cancer is treatable. Timely diagnosis of oncological diseases through instrumental examinations enables early detection, increases the chances of successful treatment, and saves lives. The Medical Guarantees Program allows every citizen of Ukraine to undergo free preventive cancer screenings, regardless of their place of residence or registration. Early detection of the most common oncological diseases is a priority under the Medical Guarantees Program. It includes free cancer screening services within six packages:

• Mammography: An X-ray examination of the breast to detect pathological changes.
• Hysteroscopy: Examination of the uterine cavity and cervical canal to identify early-stage intrauterine pathologies that are not visible on ultrasound.
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: Examination of the esophagus, stomach cavity, and duodenum to detect inflammatory processes, structural anomalies, or early-stage tumors. Biopsy sampling is also available if needed.
• Colonoscopy: Examination of the mucous membranes of the rectum, colon, and terminal part of the small intestine to identify inflammations or tumors and perform biopsies if necessary.
• Cystoscopy: Examination of the urethra and bladder with the ability to collect biopsy material and visualize tumors.
• Bronchoscopy: Examination of the trachea and bronchi to detect diseases of the mucous membranes, sample tissues for biopsy, or remove foreign objects from the airways if needed.

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) can access early cancer detection services at any of the 840 medical facilities contracted with the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) for the respective service packages:

• Mammography: 270 facilities
• Hysteroscopy: 503 facilities
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: 717 facilities
• Colonoscopy: 600 facilities
• Cystoscopy: 407 facilities
• Bronchoscopy: 294 facilities

How to access early cancer detection services:

1. Electronic referral: Issued by a family doctor or attending physician. With this referral, patients can approach a healthcare facility offering the service under the relevant package.
2. Diagnostic tests for preventive purposes are also available based on the patient’s age:
   • Mammography and colonoscopy: from age 40.
   • Cystoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, hysteroscopy, bronchoscopy: from age 50.

Services provided under these packages to IDPs and other citizens for free include:

• Pre-examination consultation with a doctor.
• Conducting the examination.
• Consultation with an anesthesiologist if required.
• Administration of local or general anesthesia if needed.
• Collection and submission of biological material for histological examination if necessary.
• Description of examination results, preparation of a conclusion, and procedural protocol.
• Referrals for specialized medical care or other medical services if needed.
• Providing examination results on film and/or a digital storage device (upon request).

More details:

The full scope of each diagnostic examination can be found on the NHSU website in the “PMG Requirements 2024” section or via the provided link.

Finding a facility offering diagnostic services:

• Call the NHSU contact center at 16-77 for information about contracted healthcare facilities nearby.
• On the NHSU website: Analytical panel/dashboard “Electronic map of service provision locations under the Medical Guarantees Program.” In the filter field, select the desired region, settlement, “Type of care,” and the required “Service package.” The map will display facilities with contact information. You can access the dashboard via the provided link.

Complaints about service refusal or fees:

If an IDP is denied a service, asked to pay for a service covered by the Medical Guarantees Program, or pressured to make a charitable contribution, this constitutes a violation of patient rights and NHSU contract terms. To report:

1. Call the NHSU contact center at 16-77 to file a complaint.
2. Submit a complaint online via the NHSU website: Navigate to the “For Citizens” section, then “Feedback,” or follow the provided link.

The Medical Guarantees Program ensures all Ukrainians, regardless of IDP status, have equal access to free medical services. Learn more about free services under the Medical Guarantees Program in the 2024 Patient Guide, available for download via the provided link.