The number of cancer cases, as well as that of victims, is growing throughout the world, Hayrapet Galstyan, Director of the National Center of Oncology of Armenia, told journalists on Thursday.

He reported a 2.4% annual increase in cancer cases in the world.

“In 1997, a total of 4,709 cancer patients were registered in Armenia, whereas this number reached 7,750 last year, 129 cases per 100,000 in 1997 against 239 per 100,000 in 2011,” Galstyan said.

The environment is the primary cause of cancer. Socio-economic problems and genetic factors can cause cancer as well.

The Oncological Center is Armenia’s only medical institution specializing in treating cancer patients. Although the center is regularly provided with up-to-date equipment and medicines, budgetary financing is insufficient, Galstyan said.

“Hospitals are in constant need of funds for purchasing medicines,” he added.

In this context Galstyan pointed out the importance of medical insurance.

Armen Muradyan, Deputy Director for Treatment, pointed out the importance of diagnosis. The center has been provided with state-of-the-art equipment, he added.

Sergey Seinyan, Head of the Osseous Pathology Department, pointed out essential progress in treatment of extremities, which prevents amputation.