ArmInfo. In Armenia, every eighth woman faces cancer, the trends in this area are disappointing. This was reported on February 4 at a press conference in Yerevan by clinical oncologist of the V. Fanarjyan National Oncology Center Naira Janoyan.
For comparison, she noted that in 1975 this proportion was one to 11. According to her, despite the alarming nature of this trend, it is necessary to take into account that this is due to the increase in average life expectancy. According to Janoyan, the longer a person lives, the higher the likelihood of developing tumor diseases.
The doctor named air pollution as another reason for the increase in cancer cases (For example, air quality in Yerevan: the concentration of PM2.5 is now 15.8 times higher than the WHO recommended average annual value of PM2.5 - ed.).
Touching upon breast cancer cases, the oncologist noted that 1,457 cases of this cancer were registered in Armenia in 2022, and in 2023 their number exceeded 1,500. She added that there is a steady increase in cases of the disease, but thanks to early detection, it is possible to reduce the mortality rate.
The expert also drew attention to the fact that Armenia also has a high incidence of gastrointestinal cancer, as well as lung cancer among men. The oncologist largely attributed lung cancer to smoking.
At the same time, according to Janoyan, the country's statistical data is practically no different from world indicators. "Breast cancer still ranks first among oncological diseases, as in other developed countries. However, in recent years, there has also been a decrease in the number of patients wishing to be treated abroad, which is due to the improvement of cancer diagnostic capabilities in the country," she noted.
In turn, the head of the medical assistance policy department of the Ministry of Health of Armenia Knar Gonyan recalled that the Ministry is actively implementing programs for the early detection of cancer through screening. Thus, according to her, since last year, programs for the early detection of breast cancer have been in effect in four regions of the republic - Lori, Tavush, Syunik and Shirak.
"In 2024, screening will begin in the Gegharkunik region, and already in 2025, a mobile mammograph will be operating in the city of Martuni in this region, and women aged 45-60 will be able to undergo examination for the early detection of breast cancer free of charge," the expert added, assuring that the program will be long-term and will cover other regions.
Gonyan also noted that the age threshold for participation in the program has been lowered: if previously it was women aged 50-60, then from 2024 - already from 45 years.
In addition, she reported on the existence of a pilot project for colorectal cancer screening (malignant tumor of the colon - ed.), which will be expanded in 2024. "We will increase both the list of organizations conducting screening and the age group of beneficiaries. This year we have overcome the age threshold and increased coverage, but the project requires further expansion. In 2025, the number of organizations will be increased and the age threshold will be revised," Gonyan noted.
Touching upon the obstacles to early detection of the disease, Knar Gonyan explained that there is a fear among the population about the possibility of detecting cancer, which is why many do not undergo examination.
At the same time, she recalled that since 2019, surgical treatment is free in the presence of diagnosed malignant neoplasms and called on citizens not to be afraid to seek help, since good results can be achieved with early detection.
It should be noted that the National Statistical Committee of Armenia does not publish any data on the number of people suffering from oncology in the country.