Numerous types of cancer have increased in the Republic of Armenia (RA) by 75% over the past 20 years. Rector of the Yerevan State Medical University, Armen Muradyan, wrote about this on Facebook. He noted as follows:

"Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, with 604,000 new cases recorded in 2020, according to the WHO data. About 90% of the 342,000 deaths from cervical cancer were recorded in low- and middle-income countries.

In the structure of cancer diseases among women in the RA, cervical cancer is second only to breast cancer.

In 2017, 262 primary cases of cervical cancer were recorded in the [Armenian] republic (the rate was 16.6 per 100,000 population), of which 146 (56%) [were] in the 3rd and 4th stages.

Numerous types (by location) of cancer in Armenia  have increased by 75% over the past 20 years.

In 2017, 8,389 cases of primary cancer were reported in the RA. Of the total number of registered primary cancer patients, 52% were women, 48%—men. The number of patients with cancer of female reproductive organs was 1,834 cases.

According to the data published by the RA Statistical Committee, 30 cases of human papillomavirus infection were registered in the RA in January-October 2023, of which 22 were among women, 8—among men, and 10 of the 30 cases were registered among those under 18 years of age.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that can affect the skin, genitals, anus, throat, etc. Virtually all sexually active people become infected at some point in their lives, usually without symptoms. In most cases, the immune system removes the HPV from the body. Persistent high-risk HPV can lead to the development of abnormal cells that later turn into cancer.

Increased public awareness, access to information and services are essential for lifelong prevention and control.

Getting vaccinated at ages 9-14 is a very effective way to prevent the HPV infection, cervical cancer, and other HPV-related cancers.

A screening test performed [for those] over the age of 30 detects cervical disease, which, during treatment, also prevents cervical cancer.

At any age, in case of symptoms or problems, early detection followed by prompt, quality treatment can cure cervical cancer.

There are 3 HPV vaccines available worldwide. All of them protect against high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, which cause most cervical cancers. Vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective in preventing the HPV infection and cervical cancer.

Women should be screened for cervical cancer every 5-10 years, starting at the age of 30.

Women living with HIV should be tested every 3 years, starting at the age of 25.

All countries have been committed to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem. The WHO Global Strategy defines cervical cancer elimination as reducing annual new cases to up to 4 or fewer per 100,000 women, and sets three targets to be met by 2030 to put all countries on track for elimination in the coming decades.

  1. 90% of girls should be vaccinated at the age of 15.
  2. 70% of women between the ages of 35 and 45 should be screened with a high-quality test.
  3. 90% of women with cervical disease should receive treatment.

Cervical cancer can be cured if the diagnosis is made and treatment is started at an early stage of the disease. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking medical advice in case of any complaints are important steps.

Dear women, be informed, get screened, get vaccinated, and take care of your health."