Cancer in Poland? Let's look at the statistics. In 2023, over 193,000 new cases of malignant tumors were diagnosed. The growing number of patients and increasing queues to see specialists forced a reform of the oncology system. Find out what oncology treatment options are available in Poland and what support patients can count on.
Oncology in Poland
Advances in medicine have made cancer treatment in Poland increasingly effective. Unfortunately, many patients still visit their doctor too late, when the cancer is already at an advanced stage. In such cases, even innovative treatment methods may not be sufficient.
New developments in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer offer hope to thousands of patients. In 2023 alone, over 193,000 new cases of malignant tumors were diagnosed. In men, the most commonly detected cancers were prostate, trachea, lung, and colon cancer. In women, the most common types of cancer were breast, trachea, lung, and uterine cancer.
Cancer is a disease that often progresses rapidly. The sooner it is detected, the greater the chance of recovery for the patient. What does cancer treatment look like in Poland? Let's start with finances.
Is cancer treatment free in Poland?
Anyone with health insurance can begin free cancer treatment in Poland, reimbursed by the National Health Fund. Depending on the type and stage of the disease, the patient is referred for local treatment (surgery, radiotherapy), systemic treatment (chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy) or a combination of these methods, known as combination therapy.
However, NFZ oncology has its limitations—not all therapies and drugs are covered by reimbursement. The costs of cancer treatment also include travel expenses to hospitals, rehabilitation equipment, and specialized food. To cover these costs, many patients set up fundraising campaigns for treatment or apply for financial support from ZUS/KRUS, MOPS, or oncology foundations.
What are the options for cancer treatment in Poland?
Cancer patients can seek treatment at state hospitals and centers or opt for private therapy under the supervision of an experienced clinical oncologist. Both solutions have their pros and cons, and the choice between them is an individual decision made by the patient.
How to see an oncologist? You can make a private appointment or sign up for a consultation at an oncology clinic that works with the National Health Fund (NFZ) – you can check the approximate date of your appointment on the NFZ website. In Poland, patients do not need a referral from a primary care physician to see an oncologist.
Where to treat cancer in Poland? Structure of the oncology system
The structure of the oncology system in Poland is undergoing reform. The National Oncology Network (KSO) has been established. The new system is intended to ensure equal opportunities for oncological treatment in Poland, regardless of the patient's place of residence. Treatment standards have been standardized and facilities providing comprehensive treatment for oncology patients have been identified.
The basic structure of the KSO is SOLO, or Specialized Oncology Treatment Centers. They have been divided into three levels:
I – provide basic diagnostic and therapeutic services,
II – deal with the treatment of complex cases,
III – provide highly specialized patient care.
SOLO II and SOLO III may include Satellite Centers—facilities offering treatment outside the main SOLO headquarters—and Centers of Excellence—centers specializing in the treatment of specific types of cancer.
Sounds complicated? If you are looking for information on where to treat cancer in Poland, visit the NFZ website. There you will find a list of centers belonging to the KSO, divided by province.
What does cancer treatment look like in Poland?
Many patients begin their diagnosis with a primary care physician or at a specialist clinic. Based on the symptoms and results of previous tests, the specialist may decide to issue the patient with a DiLO card, which speeds up the diagnostic process and access to treatment.
According to the procedures, preliminary diagnostics, i.e., confirmation or exclusion of cancer in a patient, should take up to 28 days. In-depth diagnostics, aimed at identifying the type, stage, and location of the cancer, cannot take longer than 21 days.
The DiLO card contains all information about the patient's treatment and replaces all referrals to specialists.
Cancer treatment in Poland is preceded by a consultation. This is a multi-specialist consultation aimed at establishing a treatment plan for the patient and providing them with comprehensive care. The consultation usually involves a clinical oncologist, radiologist, radiotherapist, surgical oncologist, and, increasingly, a psycho-oncologist or psychologist. The patient is assigned an oncology coordinator, who is responsible for formalities and appointment scheduling, and acts as a liaison between the patient and the doctors.
Accessibility of cancer treatment in Poland – drug programs and more
Oncology in Poland offers a fast-track oncology pathway with a DiLO card, free access to basic treatment methods, and the opportunity to participate in drug programs that allow patients to benefit from innovative therapies. These programs are designed for specific diseases, so not everyone can take advantage of them. The good news is that the list of reimbursed drugs is growing. Drug programs are being expanded, and some drugs are gaining new indications for use. Thanks to this, cancer in Poland can be treated in the same way as in many other places around the world. In October 2025 alone, 22 new drug therapies for the treatment of cancer were added to the reimbursement list.
Patients who do not want or cannot afford commercial treatment, but have used programs and therapies reimbursed by the National Health Fund, can seek other solutions, such as clinical trials and the RTDL procedure.
Access to non-reimbursed therapy – RDTL procedure
RDTL, or Emergency Access to Drug Technologies, is a procedure intended for patients who have exhausted all possible cancer treatment methods available in Poland under the National Health Fund (NFZ) or for whom these methods have not produced the desired results. In such cases, the hospital may obtain funds to cover the patient's treatment using therapies and drugs that are not currently reimbursed. In order for the RDTL procedure to be applied, it is necessary to obtain the opinion of a provincial or national consultant.
Cancer treatment in Poland and clinical trials
Oncological treatment options in Poland also include clinical trials. Patients can participate in them in two ways. The first is to receive an invitation to participate in the trial from a doctor or by applying independently to the center performing the procedures. Can anyone with cancer participate in clinical trials? Unfortunately, no. Patients must meet the requirements set out in the trial protocol. Factors such as the type and stage of cancer, the patient's general health, and previous treatment are taken into account. It is worth noting that patients can withdraw from clinical trials at any time.
Support for patients
Regardless of whether a patient decides to undergo commercial cancer treatment or treatment reimbursed by the National Health Fund, they can take advantage of many forms of support for oncology patients. This includes psychological, organizational, financial, and substantive support provided by non-governmental organizations. If you are looking for such a place, you have come to the right place.
Cancer Fighters is a foundation bringing together fighters from all over Poland. We support, educate, motivate, provide psychological assistance, and oncology care. We organize aid campaigns for cancer patients and provide our fundraising service to collect donations from donors.
How to join us? It's easy! Contact us and become a beneficiary of the foundation.
Bibliography
- National Oncology Network, onkologia.pacjent.gov.pl, accessed on November 28, 2025.
- Clinical trials, onkologia.pacjent.gov.pl, accessed on November 28, 2025.
- Patients with suspected cancer, i.e., oncology package, pacjent.gov.pl, accessed on November 28, 2025.
- General information about RDTL, rdtl.org.pl, accessed on November 28, 2025.
- Jarosław Gośliński, What are the possibilities for cancer treatment in Poland?, zwrotnikraka.pl, accessed on November 28, 2025.
- 22 new cancer therapies on the reimbursement list – a breakthrough for patients, nio.gov.pl, accessed on November 28, 2025.
