Andorra Records 509 Cancer Cases in 2025, Prostate Leads

The Andorran Health Care Service (SAAS) registered 509 cancer cases in 2025, covering both new diagnoses and active treatments, according to the Ministry of Health. The ministry has not detailed the split between new and ongoing cases, though 2024 saw 247 new detections, implying roughly half of the total might represent fresh cases. Even assuming all 509 were new, the number matches estimates from Josep Saravia, president of the Andorran Association Against Cancer (Assandca), of about 500 annual diagnoses.

Prostate cancer led with 99 cases, followed by colon and rectal at 89, and breast at 88, totalling 277. These figures echo 2024 patterns and worldwide trends, especially for breast and colorectal cancers. Saravia noted proportional similarities to Spanish data, though comprehensive Andorran statistics remain unavailable.

The SAAS breast pathology unit, directed by Dr. Martín Espinosa and operational since January 2024, has seen 137 patients and conducted 38 surgeries—around 28% of cases. Launch projections suggested 70-80% of breast tumours could be operable locally, depending on tumour type and patient choice for treatment in Andorra or abroad.

Childhood cancer rates hold steady at 1.5 to 1.9 cases per year, akin to neighbouring countries, equating to three or four every two years.

On World Cancer Day, Health Minister Helena Mas stated the national oncology plan is in its final phase following input from health workers, politicians, and community groups. She anticipates release within one to one-and-a-half months, framing it as a guide for prevention, patient care, infrastructure upgrades—including expanded colon cancer screening, health campaigns, staff boosts, and a patient-focused oncology unit redesign—and addressing key gaps.

The seventh Paella pel Mànec event, a nutrition workshop for cancer patients hosted with Lycée Comte de Foix, drew about 50 participants for cooking and tasting sessions, attended by Mas and State Secretary Cristina Pérez. Lycée director Olivier Salvan commended students' voluntary after-school efforts to promote awareness that fulfilling lives persist after diagnosis. Saravia pointed to growing attendance since 2017—except during the pandemic—with 20 in the kitchen, 20 tasting, and 10 officials present. Chef Hugues Lemarignier and SAAS dietitian Marta Pons offered practical advice.

Saravia flagged persistent issues with supervised housing in Barcelona, primarily for patients and sometimes companions, who lose access during hospital stays. Availability has tightened amid urban expansion, occasionally forcing hospital social services to secure private rentals. Assandca's past proposal for government-funded Andorran-owned units was rejected. With the local radiotherapy project fully halted, he urged more housing, estimating 60% of roughly 500 yearly cases—about 250 patients—need it. He supported research centre ideas but stressed costs exceed €2,000 without state backing.

Saravia reiterated demands for a national cancer registry, missing for eight or nine years despite appeals. SAAS figures capture only 70-75% of cases, excluding 25-30% treated abroad, hampering prevention and planning. Assandca awaits publication of the December-approved health privacy law to evaluate safeguards against job and insurance bias. For 2026, priorities encompass better patient aid, including association meeting spaces, subsidised podiatry, yoga, and gym access.

At a Creand Fundació conference on precision oncology, Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell oncology head Santiago Albiol described tailoring treatments to tumour genetics and patient traits, augmenting chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Dietitian Noemí Ruiz emphasised that 80% of patients face malnutrition during treatment, eroding muscle mass and treatment tolerance; nutrition must be integral to care. Internal medicine adjunct Cristina Royo noted survival rates have doubled over 40 years through early detection. Long-term survivor clinics, running since 2023 and handling 600-800 annual visits, monitor relapses, side effects, emotional and hormonal concerns.