The 1st International Breast Cancer Congress has begun in Baku today, organized by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan Medical University (AMU) and the Azerbaijan Breast Diseases Association (ABDA).

At the beginning of the event, a minute of silence was observed in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

Speaking at the congress, AMU Rector, Professor Geray Geraybeyli, said that breast cancer is a very serious social problem. According to him, statistics from countries around the world confirm this: “According to the World Health Organization, more than one million new patients are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. This pathology accounts for approximately 50 percent of deaths from the disease. Despite the progress made in diagnostics and treatment over the past 20 years, the number of patients who die from breast cancer and its complications is still not small.”

In his speech, Deputy Minister of Health, Professor Ilgar Gasimov noted that the international congress is dedicated to a pressing problem. Stating that one in eight women in the world faces this disease, Professor I. Gasimov spoke about the work carried out in our country on the diagnosis, examination and treatment of oncological diseases. The Deputy Minister of Health emphasized that early diagnosis is very important in the treatment of this disease. In this regard, educational activities are of particular importance.

Head of the Oncology Department of AMU, Director of the Oncology Clinic of the university, Chairman of the Health Committee of the Milli Majlis, Academician Ahliman Amiraslanov assessed this congress as an extremely important event for the Azerbaijani health community as a whole. It was noted that despite the efforts of oncologists around the world, the incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer are increasing year by year: “The mortality rates do not satisfy experts. However, I would like to note one point: compared to the end of the last century, it has now been possible to stabilize mortality rates and reduce them by 35-40 percent. This is the result of serious innovative work and scientific research in this area.”

In his speech, Professor Atilla Soran, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Breast Diseases Association, stated that the international congress is of great importance in terms of finding the most optimal solutions for the future, taking into account the development potential of medical science and the characteristics of countries, as well as expanding scientific research. It was noted that participants from different countries of the world will discuss current issues at the event and launch cooperation projects aimed at improving oncology services and improving the quality of medical care.

Nigar Mehdiyeva, the chief physician of the Oncology Clinic of AMU, said that the main goal of the congress is to raise awareness about cancer, one of the most terrible diseases of modern civilization, and to focus attention on the prevention, detection and treatment of this disease. She also said that strengthening cooperation between countries and promoting the use of the most modern diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in oncological care are among the main goals.

It should be noted that about 200 specialists are participating in the I International Breast Cancer Congress, which will last two days. Congress. Within the framework of the event, it is planned to hold a large meeting of the Azerbaijan Breast Diseases Association, and to establish a scientific journal that will give impetus to new scientific research.