Alexandru Rogobete on World Cancer Day: “The moment a disease is discovered can radically change a diagnosis and a life course”

On World Cancer Day, Health Minister Alexandru Rogobete delivered a message focused on early detection, access to investigations, and the investments made in recent years in Romania’s oncology infrastructure. The statement highlighted screening, equipment, modern treatments, and the expansion of radiotherapy and precision surgery capacity in public hospitals.

The minister stressed that, in oncology, “not all decisions are strictly medical”—some depend on how early patients seek evaluation and how soon the disease is detected.

Screening and improved access to investigations

According to the minister, early detection has become “a real priority of the health system,” supported by concrete investments in screening equipment:

• 124 mammography units acquired nationwide
• Over 47 hospitals equipped with gynecological investigation devices necessary for cervical cancer detection

“Greater access to investigations means real chances for the disease to be detected in time, when intervention is more effective and less aggressive,” he said.

Expanded access to modern oncologic treatments

The statement also referenced updates to the reimbursed medicines list:

• In September last year, 41 new medicines were added
• 11 of them are intended for cancer treatment

For patients, this translates into therapeutic continuity and access to modern options that were previously difficult to obtain.

12 radiotherapy centers built from the ground up

Radiotherapy—an essential component of cancer treatment—has benefited from major investments by the Ministry of Health with World Bank support:

• 12 radiotherapy centers built entirely from scratch
• Equipped to current standards
• Reduced waiting times and treatment closer to patients’ homes

New oncology institute in Timișoara

The minister also mentioned the development of a new oncology institute in Timișoara, designed as an integrated regional center for western Romania, providing comprehensive diagnostic, treatment, and oncology care services.

Robotic precision surgery increasingly present in public hospitals

The statement included references to the expansion of precision surgery through programs such as AP-ROBOTICA, supporting the use of surgical robots in public hospitals for complex, high-accuracy interventions.

The central message: timely check-ups can save lives

“Caring for health begins before diagnosis. Chances increase when check-ups become routine and investigations are not postponed. Together, we choose life,” the minister stated.

For family doctors and specialists, the message is clear: screening, proactive recommendations for investigations, and early referral to diagnostic services remain essential in reducing the oncologic burden.