Every 16th woman in Armenia suffers from breast cancer. These are the findings of Armenian-American Wellness Center (AAWC), stated by the head of the center Khachanush Hakobyan at a press conference on January 15.

According to her, the center acceptsdaily 150 patients, annually – 35000-36000. During the 17 years of its existence the center had 325 164 patients, 182831 of them for breast testing, and 8000 of those women had breast cancer. Doctor Hakobyan noted that the incidence of cancer has increased, but has also increased the number of appeals to the center, which is a result of their ongoing work on awareness of the citizens.

The head of the center also told, that their employees permanently carry out site visits in rural areas. The highest percentage of breast cancer, according to the Center, was recorded in Gegharkunik region.

Doctor Hakobyan noted, that Armenians and Jews are most often affected by breast cancer before the age of 25. The explanation for this, like in case of Yerevan disease, is the genetic factor. The youngest patient of the center, who was diagnosed breast center is a 16-years old girl.

And yet, according to the head of department of radiology AAWC Ani Hakobyan, the target group is women 35 - 60 years old. They should undergo mammogram once a year. Women below 35 can undergo sonographicstudy.