Poland is launching a free lung cancer screening program

A nationwide lung cancer screening program will begin in Poland in October 2026. People in high-risk groups will be able to undergo a low-dose chest CT scan free of charge.

The program is funded by the National Health Fund (NFZ). The first appointments for screenings are scheduled to begin in the second half of October, following the signing of contracts between the NFZ and medical facilities. The program is primarily intended for people aged 55 to 74 who smoke or have smoked in the past and have a long history of smoking.

Some patients may be eligible for the program as early as age 50 if they have additional risk factors. These include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), occupational exposure to asbestos, nickel, chromium, or other hazardous substances, as well as a family history of lung cancer among first-degree relatives.

Low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans can detect small changes in the lungs even before obvious symptoms of the disease appear. This is particularly important for lung cancer, which remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer in Poland. Early detection of a tumor significantly increases the chances of effective treatment.

For patients, the screening under this program will be free of charge.

Lung cancer screening is just one of several new initiatives that took effect in Poland in October. UA.News previously summarized the month’s key changes—ranging from social benefits and healthcare to fuel, ZUS, and assistance for farmers.

Starting October 1, changes also affected social assistance: Poland significantly raised the income threshold for receiving aid from the Fundusz Alimentacyjny.

At the same time, Polish authorities launched a new mechanism to curb fuel prices and set maximum retail prices for the main types of gasoline and diesel.