National Cancer Institute introduces free breast reconstruction for servicewomen and veterans

Servicewomen, female veterans and other women who have taken part directly in combat in Ukraine can now undergo free breast reconstruction using implants, the National Cancer Institute reported. The programme provides assistance following combat injuries or cancer. At the first stage, doctors plan to perform 10 implantations.

Photo: Canva

he programme is operating in a pilot format. Following the first 10 implantations, specialists will evaluate the results and decide whether it can be expanded.

Free reconstruction is available to women who provide documentary confirmation of their direct participation in combat operations or designated measures to defend Ukraine and belong to the following categories:

• servicewomen and female veterans of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), the State Border Guard Service and the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine who are serving or have been discharged during martial law;
• female employees of the National Police;
• women of the rank-and-file and managerial staff of the civil protection service.

Women who have lost a breast or experienced its deformation as a result of a combat injury can use the programme. Reconstruction is also available to women who took part in combat who need breast reconstruction after surgery for cancer or during planned surgical treatment. The institute noted that breast cancer does not necessarily have to be related to military service. The main condition is belonging to the defined category of women who took part in combat and having medical indications.

Doctors will determine individually whether reconstruction is possible, and its type and timing. To do this, the patient must undergo an examination, after which a multidisciplinary team of specialists will make the decision.

First, it is necessary to obtain a referral for a consultation with a surgical oncologist. A family doctor, the woman’s treating physician or the military unit can issue it.

After that, it is necessary to make an appointment for a consultation at the National Cancer Institute through the call centre at +38 (044) 334-64-18 or the outpatient department registry.

For the appointment, it is necessary to bring an identity document, confirmation of service and participation in combat operations, as well as any available medical records and examination results. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe additional examinations.

The National Cancer Institute is located in Kyiv at 33/43 Yulii Zdanovskoi Street. The call centre operates from Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 16:30.

The programme is being implemented in accordance with the Ministry of Health order No. 1499 of 5 October 2026, which provides for the organisation of reconstructive mammoplasty using implants and tissue expanders.

Previously, ZMINA wrote about health problems among servicewomen due to the use of body armour not adapted to female anatomy. In particular, StateWatch analysts spoke about female veteran Natalia Lishchyshyna, who after three years of service, an injury and wearing heavy body armour underwent surgery to remove both breasts. The woman was found to have an intraductal papilloma of the breast, which could have developed into a malignant neoplasm.

In addition, the Pink October campaign, dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer and the importance of its early detection, is ongoing in Ukraine.

In 2025, in Kyiv, 20.5% of breast cancer cases were detected at stages III-IV. In October 2026, medical workers in Kyiv organised additional days of free mammography for women aged 45 and over.

In Ukraine, mammography is also included in the Medical Guarantees Programme. Under the relevant package, women aged 45 and over can undergo it free of charge, and younger patients can do so if they have designated risk factors.

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