10% Decrease in Cancer Mortality in Armenia, Says Anahit Avanesyan

The Minister of Health, Anahit Avanesyan, announced on her Facebook page that today is the day for the fight against cancer.

“At least 40-60% of this disease can be prevented, and many types can be completely cured if detected early. The main tool for this is screening. We have implemented and are expanding screening programs to prevent:

1. Breast cancer,
2. Cervical cancer,
3. Colorectal cancer.

These screening programs are scientifically proven mechanisms that reduce cancer mortality worldwide.

However, an effective fight against cancer could not be complete without the introduction of a universal health insurance system. Modern methods of research and treatment, such as PET/CT scans, radiation therapy with the latest equipment, robotic surgeries, and access to expensive modern medications are now a reality for the population of Armenia.

Statistics from the past five years have shown a 10% decrease in cancer mortality in Armenia. According to data from 2024, 18.4% of newly diagnosed patients have stage 4 cancer, a result of programs implemented in recent years. For comparison, in 2019, the share of stage 4 patients among all newly diagnosed cases was 30.1%.

Furthermore, 29% of patients with breast cancer were diagnosed in localized and metastatic stages. As of 2024, those detected in localized and metastatic stages account for 15.5%.