Ani Hmayakyan, Oncology Resident, shared on LinkedIn:
“Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among female patients in Armenia.
According to GLOBOCAN estimates and our national registry, it accounts for over 28% of all new cancer cases in women, with 1,600 new cases diagnosed each year.
In 2010, the annual incidence of breast cancer was 30.5 per 100,000. By 2024, the incidence reached to 55.4 per 100,000. This demonstrates an 81.6% increase. The growing incidence highlights the ongoing critical importance of public awareness campaigns, routine mammographic screening, and timely access to comprehensive multi-modality treatment regimens.
Patient Demographics
Pediatric and young adult cases are extremely rare, with only a few isolated cases reported under age 25.
- Under 35 years old: Very rare, about 3%.
- 35 to 44 years old: Common, 12%.
- 45 to 64 years old (Most common): The highest risk group, 42% of cases.
- 65 years and older: Also very common, making up 43% of cases.
Even though the highest burden is in older patients, 15% of our diagnoses happen in women under 45, which shows why young adult women also need to be aware of breast health.
In short, about 85% of all cases happen to women aged 45 and older. Breast cancer rates are very different depending on where people live.
Top 3 high rates are Yerevan, Kotayk and Lori. Yerevan shows the highest rate (about 1 in every 150 people) mainly because of higher population density and easier access to major diagnostic centers where screening and workups happen.
Mortality
Breast cancer remains the top cause of cancer death for women in Armenia. Mortality varies by region:
- Tavush recorded 48.3 deaths per 100,000,
- Shirak recorded 37.3,
- Yerevan recorded 29.1.
In the past, Armenia struggled with high mortality because many patients came to clinic at advanced stages. Unfortunately, there are cases when women simply ignore the complaints. Delayed care seeking often describes as waiting “until the knife reaches the bone”.
Staging and Screening Impact
Between 2020 and 2024, the overall prevalence of breast cancer among women in Armenia grew by 31.2%.
2024 National Metrics indicate an overall 5-year survival rate of 60.3% across all stages, with 9,640 registered patients surviving 5 or more years post-diagnosis.
Today, there is a positive shift toward earlier detection (thanks to national mammography screening programs and public awareness efforts). Out of every 10 newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer, around 6 are detected in early stages (Stage I-II 61.8%)
Since around 70% of screened patients have no symptoms when their tumor is found, routine screening is essential.
A reminder for those we love: Early detection saves lives.”
You can also read: What’s New On Radiotherapy of Breast Cancer in 2026?.
