Cancer Cases on the Rise in Armenia: 75% Increase in the Past 20 Years

Various types of cancer have increased in the Republic of Armenia (RA) by 75% over the past 20 years. Armen Muradyan, Rector of the Yerevan State Medical University, shared this information on Facebook. He highlighted the following points:

Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with 604,000 new cases reported in 2020, according to WHO data. Approximately 90% of the 342,000 deaths from cervical cancer were recorded in low- and middle-income countries.

Among cancer diseases affecting women in the RA, cervical cancer ranks second, following breast cancer.

In 2017, there were 262 primary cases of cervical cancer reported in the Armenian republic, with a rate of 16.6 cases per 100,000 population. Of these cases, 146 (56%) were at the 3rd and 4th stages.

Over the past two decades, various types of cancer in Armenia have seen a 75% increase.

In 2017, the RA reported 8,389 cases of primary cancer. Of the total registered cases, 52% were women, and 48% were men. Among these, there were 1,834 cases of cancer affecting female reproductive organs.

Data published by the RA Statistical Committee showed 30 cases of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection registered from January to October 2023. Among these, 22 cases were in women, 8 in men, and 10 cases were among individuals under 18 years old.

HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can affect the skin, genitals, anus, throat, etc. Most sexually active individuals get infected at some point without symptoms. Usually, the immune system clears HPV from the body. However, persistent high-risk HPV can lead to abnormal cell growth, which may develop into cancer.

Raising public awareness and ensuring access to information and services are crucial for lifelong prevention and control. 

Screening tests for individuals above 30 years old detect cervical diseases, preventing cervical cancer during treatment.

Early detection and timely, quality treatment at any age can cure cervical cancer in case of symptoms or problems.

Women should undergo cervical cancer screening every 5-10 years starting at age 30. For women living with HIV, screening should start at age 25 every 3 years.

All countries aim to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue. The WHO Global Strategy aims to reduce annual new cases to 4 or fewer per 100,000 women by 2030. 

Cervical cancer can be cured when diagnosed and treated early. Recognizing symptoms and seeking medical advice for any complaints are crucial steps.

To all women: Stay informed, get screened and prioritize your health.