Dr Rille Pihlak Highlights Key Challenges Facing Cancer Care in Estonia at Parliament Discussion

According to Pihlak, the number of cancer cases in Estonia continues to rise, with the disease increasingly affecting people under the age of 50. She noted that cancer is now diagnosed more often than children are born in Estonia, while mortality rates have not declined as rapidly as in other chronic diseases. She also stressed that delays in diagnosis and treatment reduce patients’ chances of recovery and increase costs for the healthcare system.

In Pihlak’s view, the main obstacle to effective cancer care in Estonia is not a lack of knowledge, but inconsistent implementation of the existing national cancer strategy. She said progress in the field has so far relied heavily on individual initiative and project-based funding, while the strategy itself lacks stable long-term state funding. This, she argued, hampers long-term planning and systematic development in areas including surgical oncology, paediatric cancer care and post-treatment patient support.

Addressing members of parliament, Pihlak highlighted the need to update the national hospital network development plan, expand the role of nurses and strengthen primary healthcare services. She said the sector requires clear national decisions and a stable funding model to ensure patients receive coordinated and consistent care throughout their treatment journey.

Pihlak emphasised that cancer care is not solely a medical issue, but a broader societal challenge that will shape the overall quality and sustainability of Estonia’s healthcare system.