In Kyrgyzstan, there is a continuing increase in the number of oncological diseases. Currently, more than 30 thousand people have a cancer diagnosis, with about 6 thousand new cases registered each year. Amangeldy Jumabaev, the deputy director of the National Center for Oncology and Hematology, discussed this in an interview on the ElTR television channel.
He noted that despite the rising number of patients, the mortality rate is gradually decreasing due to advancements in diagnostics and treatment over the past 20–25 years.
Among various types of cancer, stomach cancer is the most prevalent, followed by breast cancer in women, and lung cancer ranks third. Jumabaev pointed to Helicobacter infection as one of the reasons for the high incidence of stomach cancer, as it can provoke the disease in 60–70% of cases. The infection can be detected through laboratory tests and treated, which helps reduce risks.
“The problem is that patients seek medical help too late. Lung, liver, esophageal, and intestinal cancers often do not show any symptoms in the early stages. Most people only go to the doctor when the symptoms become severe,” he emphasized.
Jumabaev also discussed preventive measures. For example, liver cancer is often associated with viral hepatitis, and cervical cancer is linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). In Kyrgyzstan, vaccination of girls against HPV has been provided for free for the past 3–4 years and is considered an effective preventive method.
He advised women under 40 to regularly visit a gynecologist, and after 50, to undergo mammography, which allows for the early detection of breast diseases.
Beremet Jumabekova
