Screening for early detection of colorectal cancer launched in Armenia

Armenia has launched a screening program for early detection of colorectal cancer. According to the press service of the country's Ministry of Health, the goal of the program is to detect the disease at an early stage among citizens of the age group from 50 to 75 years old.

In Armenia, the 2021 colorectal cancer incidence rate was 25.5 per 100,000 residents (756 cases), prevalence was 167.9 (4,972 cases) and mortality was 16 (475 cases). Of these, 83.6% of cases were among people over 60 years old.

This type of cancer in Armenia is usually detected at a late stage, which negatively affects the possibility of treatment and the outcome of the disease.

According to the Ministry of Health, the screening program will last until December 15, and during this time it is planned to examine about 15% of citizens from 50 to 75 years old.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in adults in the world, and analysis of the figures for the past 10 years shows an upward trend in the incidence of the disease.

Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment. The average 5-year survival rate is about 64%, and in case of early detection it reaches 90%.

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