According to data announced on the air of ElTR by the Deputy Director of the National Center for Oncology and Hematology, Amangeldi Jumabaev, the situation with oncological diseases in Kyrgyzstan continues to worsen. Currently, there are over 30,000 patients registered in the country with various oncological diagnoses, and about 6,000 new cases are registered annually.
Despite the increase in the number of patients, the mortality rate from cancer is gradually decreasing, which is associated with improvements in diagnostics and treatment methods over the past 20–25 years, noted Jumabaev.
Stomach cancer remains the most common oncological disease, followed by breast cancer in women and lung cancer. Jumabaev pointed out that one of the reasons for the high prevalence of stomach cancer is Helicobacter infection, which can provoke the disease in 60–70% of cases. This disease can be diagnosed and treated in the laboratory, which helps reduce risks.
“The problem is that patients often seek medical help too late. Tumors such as lung, liver, esophageal, and intestinal cancers may not show any external symptoms in the early stages. Generally, people only visit a doctor when the symptoms become serious,” emphasized Jumabaev.
He also discussed the importance of prevention. Liver cancer is often associated with viral hepatitis, while cervical cancer is linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). In Kyrgyzstan, vaccination of girls against HPV has been carried out for the past 3–4 years for free and is considered an effective preventive measure.
According to the expert, women under 40 are recommended to regularly visit a gynecologist, and after 50, to undergo mammography for the early detection of breast diseases.
Beremet Jumabekova
