Approximately 5,600 People Die from Cancer in Armenia Annually

Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency are in Armenia as part of the Armenia imPACT Review mission. The purpose of the visit is to provide advisory support in the development and implementation of the national cancer control strategy.

International experts have met with the staff of the Medical Assistance Policy Division of the Ministry of Health. Discussions are also planned with industry specialists during the mission, as well as visits to medical organizations providing oncology services.

Although there has been a certain stabilization in the incidence of cancer among the population of Armenia in recent years (the number of cases in 2017 increased by only 0.2% compared to the previous year), according to WHO forecasts, the number of new cancer cases worldwide could rise from the current 12 million to 27 million by 2030, with deaths potentially reaching between 8 and 17 million.

Approximately 5,600 people die from cancer in Armenia each year, making it the second leading cause of mortality, including premature death, after cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence of cancer increased by 27% in 2017 compared to 2012, with the number of new cases reaching 8,389, which is 6% higher than in 2012.

Given the significance of the issue, the Ministry of Health plans to substantially increase funding for cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as to implement a national cancer control strategy.