Breast cancer shows increase
October has been declared a month of Breast Cancer Awareness.
The number of malignant tumours has increased in the world by 2-4%.
Director of the National Centre of Oncology Hayrapet Galstyan says in the developed countries lung cancer is common among men and breast cancer among women.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the world will see a new wave (1 000 200 cases) of breast cancer in the coming year.
"If ten years ago, we had 550 cases of breast cancer, in 2009 the cases amounted to 1042. About 220-225 out of 100 000 Armenians have cancers," said Mr. Galstyan.
The oncologist says the earlier a cancer is found, the easier treatment will be. Unfortunately, in Armenia people go to doctors when they are already in a critical condition.
Many avoid examination and think they are doomed to die.
"I just want to say that cancer is just a disease. Don't people die of other diseases?" he said.
In this regard, the oncologist highlighted the relations between doctors and patients. It is important that the physician understand the patient's psychological condition and give proper information on cancer. The patient should mobilize his efforts in the struggle against the disease.
Cancer affects people at all ages with the risk for most types increasing with age. According to recent reports, malignant tumors are due to lifestyle, environmental factors and genetics.
"The disease develops under the influence of physical, chemical, and biological factors. Therefore, all families where malignant tumors have been found should be regularly examined," said Hayrapet Galstyan.
