Director of the Kyrgyz National Center for Oncology and Hematology Nurbek Bukuev has said that Kyrgyzstan registers between 5,500 and 6,000 new cancer cases each year.

Bukuev expressed concern that most patients are diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

“Over 35,000 cancer cases have been recorded in Kyrgyzstan, with the majority detected at stages 3-4. In such cases, many patients die within a year. Early diagnosis is therefore one of our top priorities. At stages 1-2, cancer is much more treatable, and timely detection can save lives. I urge citizens to undergo check-ups even in the absence of symptoms,” he said.

Bukuev noted that stomach cancer is the most common form in the country, followed by breast cancer. Among women, breast cancer ranks first. He emphasized the importance of screening programs, particularly for women. “Mass screenings allow us to identify precancerous conditions and early-stage tumors. If treatment begins on time, the number of severe cases will significantly decrease. Sharing expertise at this conference will also help strengthen our Oncology Center,” he noted.

The comments were made during an international scientific and practical conference marking the 65th anniversary of the National Center for Oncology and Hematology. The event brought together leading oncologists from neighboring and distant countries to exchange research and clinical experience.

Meanwhile, researchers in Australia have mapped human bone marrow at the molecular level, revealing hidden complexities in blood cancer that could lead to more effective treatments.