YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 4, ARMENPRESS. 10-12 million new cases of cancer are recorded every day around the world. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020.

February 4 is marked as World Cancer Day to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. The theme for 2022-2024 is “Close the Care Gap”.

The most common cancers are breast, lung, colon and rectum and prostate cancers.

Around one-third of deaths from cancer are due to tobacco use, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake, and lack of physical activity.

Cancer-causing infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis, are responsible for approximately 30% of cancer cases in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

Many cancers can be cured if detected early and treated effectively.

An average of 7,700 new cases of cancer are recorded annually in Armenia, the Ministry of Healthcare of Armenia said.

Since 2019, oncologic surgeries are carried out for free in Armenia.

Radiation treatment using the TERAGAM and ELEKTA devices, as well as sophisticated laboratory tests, are also free for cancer patients.

As of 2022, over 37 healthcare facilities in Armenia offer free (state compensated) palliative care for cancer patients.

In 2021, the first Pediatric Palliative Care Center opened in the Yolyan Center of Hematology.

In 2022, the Fanarjyan National Center of Oncology opened a new palliative care center.

The screening project for early detection of cervical cancer continues for women aged 30-60.

In 2021, the health authorities launched the breast cancer prevention program, with a mobile screening lab stationed in eight cities of Lori, Tavush and Syunik provinces.

The colorectal cancer screening program was launched in 2022 and will continue this year as well.

Breast cancer patients (I-III Her (+)) are provided with the Trastuzumab 600 medication for free.