Armenia sees improvements in early detection of breast cancer

Armenia has seen significant improvements in the early detection of breast cancer in recent years, with the share of cases diagnosed at Stage 4 declining from 40% in 2018 to 13% in 2025–2026.

Healthcare professionals held a press conference on Tuesday as October is observed worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Dr. Haykuhi Geokchyan, oncology consultant at the Ministry of Health of Armenia, said that while in 2018, 40% of detected cases were diagnosed at Stage 4, the trend in 2025–2026 shows that the rate of Stage 4 disease has declined to 13%. The specialist attributes this to effective government policy, improvements in the quality of treatment, and greater public awareness.

“First, government programs have improved the quality of treatment, while medical services have also become accessible to a broader range of women. Surgeries have become free of charge, 24 radiation therapy sessions are free of charge, and chemotherapy and other targeted medicines, which were previously considered inaccessible, have become available thanks to the government policy implemented since 2020. In addition, any cancer patient can obtain medicines worth up to 1.2 million drams per year under a government-funded insurance program. These are important changes that help patients respond in a timely manner, undergo treatment, and not be left alone with their disease,” Dr. Geokchyan said.

According to Dr. Artur Avetisyan, Deputy Director for Laboratory-Diagnostic Services and Mid-Level and Junior Medical Staff at the V. A. Fanarjyan National Center of Oncology, more than 1,600 new cases of breast cancer are detected annually in Armenia.

“Yes, the figure is high, but we can clearly say that the rate of disease detection has increased. This is facilitated by measures implemented by the government, screening programs, as well as a change in society’s attitude. Years ago, there were many cases when a patient had noticed the problem but there was no pain or other troubling factor, so she did not see a doctor. Now there are many cases when people go for examinations without any complaints,” Dr. Avetisyan said.

Statistical data show that society’s attitude has changed, with many people recognizing the importance of preventive measures and undergoing regular examinations. However, according to the specialist, the current trend is still not at the desired level. “There is still a lot of work to be done to involve a large number of women in screening programs that offer free examinations,” Dr. Avetisyan added.

Dr. Haykuhi Geokchyan also said that the government is implementing three screening programs related to cervical, colorectal and breast cancer. Within the framework of universal health insurance, all women aged 45–68 can undergo free examinations. In this case, there is no need even to visit a therapist. They register at their preferred medical institution through the ArmMed system and go for the examination.

The Ministry of Health of Armenia has purchased 10 mammography machines, which will be installed at medical institutions in the regions and will soon become available.