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15-09-2025

Prostate cancer – a challenge to men’s health. How can we change the statistics in Lithuania?

Iliustracija

September 15 marks World Prostate Cancer Day. Of all oncological diseases, prostate cancer is probably the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in Lithuania. Specialists from the National Health Insurance Fund remind us that the early diagnosis program for prostate cancer is covered by the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund, so men can take care of their health free of charge. 

According to data from the National Cancer Institute, approximately 2,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, and the overall incidence is steadily increasing: last year, it exceeded 24,000 cases and was more than a thousand higher than in 2023. The latest European Union (EU) statistics show that Lithuania remains among the leading countries in terms of prostate cancer incidence. In our country, this type of cancer is diagnosed in men much more frequently than in most other EU countries, and the incidence rates exceed both the European and global averages. 

Mortality from prostate cancer in Lithuania remains fairly stable – more than 500 men die from this disease every year. This puts us at the middle of the scale in the EU context. The stage of the cancer has the greatest impact on changes in survival rates: the earlier it is detected, the more effective the treatment results.

Although prostate cancer is one of the most common oncological diseases among men, it is difficult to detect it on your own without undergoing the necessary tests. It is a slowly progressing disease that may not cause any symptoms for a long time, so it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.

According to specialists from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), a person’s attitude toward their health and care can radically change the situation. “The preventive prostate cancer program, which is funded by the fund, allows the disease to be detected at an early stage, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes,” says Jurgita Grigarienė, Chief Specialist of the NHIF Service Reimbursement Division.

Since 2006, a prostate cancer prevention program has been in place for men aged 50 to 69 (inclusive) and men aged 45 and older if their fathers or brothers have previously had this cancer. The test is very simple and painless. The family doctor recommends a blood test to determine the concentration of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. If PSA levels are within normal limits, no further tests are required, and the patient is invited to participate in the program after 2 or 5 years, depending on their age and PSA test results. If the PSA level exceeds the norm, the family doctor refers the patient to a urologist for consultation, who performs a prostate biopsy to confirm or rule out the diagnosis.  

Five disease prevention programs are reimbursed in Lithuania: cervical, breast, prostate, colon cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Although all of these have age limits, J. Grigarienė urges those who do not fall within the limits not to delay: “If you are concerned about your health, do not delay – contact your healthcare provider. Your family doctor will assess your health and, if necessary, order the necessary tests and, if indicated, refer you to a specialist for consultation. During the consultation, the necessary tests will be performed and, if necessary, treatment will be prescribed.” 

(Getty Images photo)

The NHIF invites you:

Last updated: 22-09-2025

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