Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 15 June (BelTA) – Cancer treatment in Belarus meets world level standards, Belarus’ Healthcare Minister Vasily Zharko said at the 9^th CIS and Eurasia Oncology and Radiology Congress in Minsk on 15 June, BelTA has learned.

Vasily Zharko noted that the national cancer service has been gradually improving. “The number of foreigners who receive treatment in Belarus has been increasing, which is another evidence that cancer treatment in the country meets the international standards. The country earned $3.6 million on cancer treatment services in 2015,” he said. Almost none of Belarusian patients with cancer are sent abroad for treatment.

The Alexandrov National Cancer Center of Belarus and regional cancer detection centers are fitted with all necessary equipment to conduct a wide range of surgeries and radiation therapy. Stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy help deliver the maximally precise dosage of radiation to the tumor with the minimal impact on the surrounding healthy tissues. On a daily basis the center conducts surgeries which were considered impossible or unique some ten years ago.

Only new-generation medications are used to treat cancer. Nearly 60% of pharmaceutical drugs used in chemotherapy are made in Belarus.

Minsk played host to the CIS and Eurasia Oncology and Radiology Congress for the second time. The Belarusian capital hosted the first one in 2004.