Welcome to PinkRibbon Latvia
You’re not alone. This page shares key facts about common female cancers in Latvia, survival stats, health initiatives, and trusted support organisations. Our mission is to ensure every woman has access to awareness, early detection, and compassionate care.
Cancer statistics
& survival rates
Breast Cancer
Most common cancer in women (1,263 new cases in 2022, 22.8% of female cancers).
430 deaths in 2022 (7.3% of all female cancer deaths).
5-year prevalence: ~5,113 women living with breast cancer.
Cervical Cancer
Screening participation remains among the lowest in the EU.
Targeted efforts are ongoing to improve early detection.
Ovarian Cancer
298 new cases in 2022 (5.4% of female cancers).
Endometrial (Corpus Uteri) Cancer
Third most common female cancer in Latvia with 392 new cases in 2022 (7.1% of female cancers).
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Learn more
Recent research
& Initiatives
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Recent Research
STRIVE Project: Run by the University of Latvia’s Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine to improve breast cancer screening by adopting quality control and audit systems from the Dutch model.
Genetic Screening Initiatives: Pilot project at Rīga Stradiņš University studying hereditary breast and ovarian cancer risk, involving 450 women.
Digital Engagement Platforms: Skrinings.lv, launched in collaboration with Rīga Stradiņš University and partners, engages women in breast cancer screening and research via a dedicated online platform.Learn more
Support organizations
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Support Organisations
Pink Train Foundation: Offers professional psychological support and physiotherapy for women diagnosed with breast cancer, along with educational materials and staff training. rozavilciens.mozello.lv
Tree of Life (Dzīvības Koks): Provides psychosocial rehabilitation programs for cancer patients and has been Latvia’s Europa Donna branch since 2005. dzivibaskoks.lv
OncoAlliance: An umbrella organization uniting Latvian cancer patient groups to advocate for evidence-based policy and patient rights.
Accessing cancer screening and treatment
Where to get screened
These services are part of the national screening program “Prolamvano” (meaning “I Prevent”)
Learn more
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**Where to Get Screened**
Latvia offers state-funded preventive screening programs:
Cervical Cancer: Women aged 25–67 invited every three years.
Breast Cancer: Women aged 50–68 invited for mammography every two years.
Colorectal Cancer: Adults aged 50–74 invited every two years.
Prostate Cancer: Men aged 50–75 invited every two years.
How Invitations Work:
Letters sent automatically based on Population Register data.
For cervical and breast cancer, invitations typically arrive within three months after a woman’s birthday.
Colorectal and prostate cancer invitations are usually managed via GP practices.**Appointment Needed?
Yes. Recipients must schedule appointments using details in their invitation letter.****What to Bring:**
Personal ID (e.g., passport or ID card)
Health insurance card (if applicable)
Invitation letter**Hotline Numbers:
Contact your local health authority or GP for information on how to schedule.**Learn more
Hotline numbers
Typical Hours: Monday–Friday, standard business hours (confirm locally).
Where to get treatment
Financial support
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**Government Schemes:**
Co-payments are capped by a “hardship exemption” system relative to income.
Basic cancer treatments covered by the National Health Service.**Additional Support:**
Patients can apply for extra assistance through health insurance funds or hospital social services.
Patients should speak with hospital social workers or local authorities to understand eligibility and application processes.
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