Epress.am News from Armenia
Each year, an estimated 12.7 million people are diagnosed with cancer. More than 7.6 million die from the disease annually, two-thirds of whom live in low- and middle-income countries. Research suggests that one-third of cancer deaths can be avoided through prevention and another third through early detection and treatment. These figures are confirmed by Armenia’s Ministry of Healthcare.
More people each year die of cancer than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is a leading cause of death around the world and about 84 million people will die of cancer between 2005 and 2015 without intervention.
As noted by Armenia’s Ministry of Healthcare, in recent years, there have been improvements in Armenia’s oncology services;however, at the same time, there are serious problems in patients consulting doctors (and following medical advice), in terms of early detection and overall longevity of life.
The majority of people with tumors in Armenia are treated in the National Oncology Centre. In 2010, the center saw more than 6,200 patients, 3,000 of whose tumors were removed.
On the occasion of World Cancer Day today, the joint message of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC), Association of European Cancer Leagues and European Cancer Organisation is: “Prevention is an important way to reduce the cancer risk. Research highlights that one-third of cancer deaths can be avoided through prevention and another third through early detection and treatment. Thus there is a great need for reinforced political dialogue and better coordination of measures and resources for cancer prevention initiatives in order to combat the cancer burden.”
Founded by the UICC, World Cancer Day is observed on February 4 each year since 2000. The purpose of the observance is to create and raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, early detection, and timely treatment.