ArmInfo.Cancer-caused deaths have been down in Armenia over the last three or four years, Armenia's Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan stated at the opening of the 4th Oncology Congress in Jermuk, Armenia.
This result, according to her, was achieved thanks to screening for early detection of malignant neoplasms, targeted therapy programs, increased access to services, expansion and re-equipment of infrastructure. Thus, the number of newly detected cases in the country has increased, and, accordingly, deaths have decreased.
She noted that cancer remains one of the most common health problems and one of the leading causes of death in the world, so achieving progress in the fight against this disease remains an urgent task.
"The indicators are encouraging, but we must not stop there," the minister noted.
She also noted that the biggest reform of the government and the Ministry of Health in the coming years should be comprehensive health insurance, which will be aimed, among other things, at finding comprehensive solutions to fight cancer.
The slogan of this year's Congress is "Close the gaps in medical care." The purpose of the congress is to discuss the policy and strategy of fighting cancer in Armenia, presenting new methods and approaches to prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer with the participation of recognized Armenian and foreign specialists.
This year, over 50 speakers from Armenia, Russia, the USA, Mexico, Europe, India, Argentina, Georgia and Iran will give presentations. More than 300 delegates will take part in the congress.