New Cancer Dashboard for Montenegro

How does cancer care in Montenegro compare to neighboring countries, the EU, and international benchmarks? This dashboard-style report provides a visual and quantitative description of selected performance indicators across the full cancer care pathway. The analysis draws on national and international data sources.

Montenegro has lower age-standardized cancer incidence than the EU average but higher mortality. Demographic changes, including population aging, are projected to increase the cancer burden. Reliable survival data are unavailable, limiting assessment of patient outcomes. The National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2028 provides a framework for addressing these challenges, but effective implementation, adequate funding, and regular monitoring will be essential.

Prevention offers substantial opportunities, with high smoking prevalence and HPV vaccination coverage well below the WHO target. Participation in breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening remains low, with considerable variation across municipalities. The organized breast cancer screening program covers four municipalities.

Workforce shortages and limited access to some diagnostic services remain challenges, although outdated equipment data limit assessment of current capacity. Access to innovative cancer medicines varies by cancer type, and approval and reimbursement processes need streamlining. No specialized palliative care services were recorded in 2025. Modernizing the Cancer Registry and improving data on outcomes, care delivery, and spending would strengthen planning and accountability.

For more information please contact Thomas Hofmarcher

Cancer Dashboard for Montenegro, IHE 2026, Lund, Sweden

Cite: Pavlidou A, Stepien M, Hofmarcher T. Cancer Dashboard for Montenegro, IHE 2026, Lund, Sweden