According to statistics in Yamal, malignant tumors primarily affect women. URA.RU spoke with Sergey Tokarev, the chief freelance specialist of the Russian Ministry of Health for medical prevention in the Urals Federal District, and Elena Kulikova, the chief freelance oncologist of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District, regarding why “female” oncology leads in the region and how to recognize the early signs of this potentially fatal disease.
Statistics of oncological disease detection in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug for 2024
In the first five months of 2024, 621 individuals with oncology sought treatment at the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug Public Health and Medical Prevention Center. Among these, 19 cases of oncological diseases were newly diagnosed.
Breast neoplasms topped the list at 20.9%. Cervical neoplasms followed at 6.8%, and colon neoplasms at 6.6%.
“In our region, breast cancer is also the leading oncological disease. Currently, 8,336 patients are registered with oncologists, of whom 1,683 are women with breast cancer,” said Yelena Kulikova, the chief oncologist of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug.
During the first six months of 2024, district oncologists identified 87 cases of breast cancer in women. “This is not solely a ‘female’ tumor,” the oncologist added. “We also have a male patient registered with us who has breast cancer.”
What is “female” oncology?
“Female” oncology refers to diseases affecting the female reproductive system. Malignant tumors primarily impact the mammary glands and uterus, the organ where a woman carries a child.
Breast cancer is characterized by the abnormal division and tumor formation of cells in breast tissue. Left untreated, the tumor can spread to other parts of the body and lead to death.
Another common oncological disease among women is cervical cancer. This is a malignant neoplasm in the uterus. Doctors believe that the development of this disease is linked to the human papilloma virus, which is present in 80% of the global population.
Why is “female” oncology prevalent in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug?
Breast tumors are among the most common diseases worldwide. “In the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District, malignant tumors in women are detected no worse, and perhaps even better, than in other regions,” Sergey Tokarev noted during a conversation with an agency journalist.
According to him, both breast cancer and cervical cancer can be detected through visual examinations without extensive and complex investigations. It is sufficient to undergo a checkup with a general practitioner or obstetrician-gynecologist, who will conduct necessary tests.
The high statistics of “female” oncology indicators are attributed to the high-quality diagnostics of malignant diseases in the region. Oncologists share such thoughts with URA.RU
“A significant number of neoplasms are detected through medical examinations. All necessary conditions have been established in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District: a basic examination encompasses all required tests, including mammography, questioning, and examination. If needed, the doctor will order an ultrasound and take a tissue sample for analysis,” Tokarev said.
In addition to medical specialists, artificial intelligence—a system for supporting medical decisions—also evaluates the research results. Doctors emphasize that the opinion of this “expert” is as objective as possible. This enhances diagnostic accuracy and minimizes the likelihood of errors.
Causes of Breast and Cervical Cancer
Doctors identify several primary causes of cancer in women. These include early onset of menstruation (before age 9), absence of pregnancy, first pregnancy terminated by abortion, late first pregnancy following age 30, and refusal to breastfeed following childbirth.
Additionally, late menopause following age 55 can contribute to cancer development.
Heredity also plays a crucial role. If a woman has a family history of “female” oncology, there is a 15% chance she may develop cancer.
Furthermore, co-existing hormonal and other chronic diseases are significant factors. The hormonal balance of women in general is influenced by various factors: unhealthy habits and stress, environmental conditions, and diet.
Stages of cancer
Cancer progresses through four stages, ranging from stage one, the mildest, to stage four, the most severe.
In the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, 30 cases of cancer at stage I were detected in the first six months of 2024. At stage II – 38; at stage III – 11, and at stage IV – five cases.
“Additionally, the stage of cancer in situ has been classified. This is stage zero, where malignant cells have just emerged,” said oncologist Kulikova.
Cancer in situ (Latin for “cancer in place”) signifies a small cluster of malignant cells. Women with this pathology should also be monitored by doctors who can take a tissue sample for analysis and surgically remove the tumor if necessary.
Mortality from malignant tumors is primarily dependent on individual risk factors: the patient’s age, type and extent of the tumor, and any co-existing conditions.
Early detection of a tumor at stages one and two significantly increases the chances of preventing recurrence compared to stages three and four. In the latter stages, the risk of disease progression or recurrence following treatment is high.
Treatment tactics and prevention
There are three main approaches to treating malignant neoplasms. Depending on the stage, one or multiple treatment strategies may be employed, or even all three.
- Surgical treatment: complete or partial removal of the affected organ. Currently, doctors strive to preserve the organ whenever possible.
- Anti-tumor drug therapy or targeted therapy. This approach specifically targets malignant cells, making them vulnerable and weakened.
- Radiation therapy: specialists destroy cancer cells using specialized radiation.
The treatment method is determined by the stage and type of the tumor. If the tumor is at stage zero or stage one, surgical treatment will often suffice. If the tumor is detected at stage two or three, chemotherapy followed by tumor removal surgery and then radiation therapy may be prescribed.
All specialized care for patients with oncology is provided free of charge in medical institutions under the compulsory medical insurance policy. Methods for preventing female oncology are presented in the infographics provided by the URA.RU Center for Public Health and Prevention of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area.
Breast Cancer Prevention Infographics
Photo: Center for Public Health and Medical Prevention of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug
Breast cancer prevention
Photo: Center for Public Health and Medical Prevention of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug
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Yamal’s “Female” Oncology: A Look at the Leading Cause of Cancer in the Region
In the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, a stark reality emerges: malignant tumors primarily affect women. This trend has raised concerns and prompted investigations into the factors driving this phenomenon. URA.RU delved into the issue, interviewing Sergey Tokarev, the chief freelance specialist of the Russian Ministry of Health for medical prevention in the Urals Federal District, and Elena Kulikova, the chief freelance oncologist of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District, to understand why “female” oncology leads the statistics in the region, the early signs of these diseases, and what can be done.
Understanding the Statistics of “Female” Oncology
Data from the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug Public Health and Medical Prevention Center paints a clear picture. Over the first five months of 2024, 621 individuals with oncology sought treatment, with 19 cases representing new diagnoses. Breast cancer, with a rate of 20.9%, tops the list, followed by cervical cancer (6.8%) and colon cancer (6.6%).
“In our region, breast cancer is the primary concern among all oncological illnesses. We have 8,336 patients registered with oncologists; among them, 1,683 are women with breast cancer,” stated Elena Kulikova, the chief oncologist of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. The first six months of 2024 saw district oncologists identify 87 cases of breast cancer in women. While primarily affecting women, the oncologist emphasized, “This is not exclusive to women. We also have a man registered with us who has breast cancer.”
What Is “Female” Oncology?
The term “female” oncology refers to cancers affecting the female reproductive system, primarily the mammary glands and the uterus.
Breast cancer, the most prevalent “female” oncology, originates from abnormal cells within breast tissue, forming a tumor. If left unaddressed, this tumor can spread, leading to life-threatening complications.
Cervical cancer is another common form of “female” oncology, involving a malignant neoplasm in the uterus. Medical experts believe that the human papilloma virus (HPV), present in 80% of the global population, plays a significant role in its development.
Why Does “Female” Oncology Prevail in Yamal?
While breast tumors are a common worldwide concern, Yamal’s statistics reveal an even greater prevalence. Sergey Tokarev attributes this to the region’s high-quality diagnostics for malignant diseases.
“In the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District, malignant tumors in women are detected no worse, and perhaps even better, than in other regions,” he said. “Breast cancer, as well as cervical cancer, can be detected by visual examinations without extensive or complicated research. A visit to a therapist or an obstetrician-gynecologist for checkups, including necessary tests, is sufficient.”
Yamal’s advanced diagnostic capabilities contribute significantly to the observed statistics. Tokarev explained, “A significant number of neoplasms are detected during medical checkups. The Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District offers comprehensive care—basic examinations include necessary screenings, including mammography, questioning, and examination. If required, doctors will prescribe ultrasounds and tissue biopsies for analysis. “
Adding another layer of accuracy, a system of artificial intelligence is employed to assist doctors in evaluating the research findings. This “expert” offers an objective assessment, enhancing the diagnostic precision and minimizing potential errors.
Underlying Causes of Breast and Cervical Cancer
Doctors have identified several contributing factors to cancer in women:
- Early onset of menstruation: Before the age of 9.
- Absence of pregnancy: This includes women who have never been pregnant or those whose first pregnancy was terminated by abortion.
- Late first pregnancy: After the age of 30.
- Refusal to breastfeed: Following childbirth.
- Late menopause: After the age of 55.
- Family history: A 15% risk increase if a woman has a family history of “female” oncology.
- Hormonal imbalances: Factors such as bad habits, stress, environmental concerns, and nutrition can affect hormonal balance in women.
- Chronic diseases: These can also contribute to the risk of cancer.
Stages of Cancer
Cancer progression is categorized into four stages, ranging from stage one (least severe) to stage four (most severe). Additionally, a “stage zero,” known as “cancer in situ,” has been classified.
The first six months of 2024 saw 30 cases detected at stage I in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, 38 at stage II, 11 at stage III, and 5 at stage IV.
“Cancer in situ (Latin for ‘in place’) represents a small cluster of malignant cells,” Kulikova explained. “Even at this early stage, women require monitoring by doctors who can perform tissue biopsies and remove the tumor promptly.”
Factors like the patient’s age, tumor type, extent, and presence of other diseases influence mortality rates from malignant tumors. The chances of favorable outcomes are significantly higher when the tumor is detected at stages one and two compared to stages three and four, where the risk of disease progression or recurrence post-treatment increases.
Treatment Tactics and Prevention
Treatment for malignant neoplasms typically involves a combination of therapies tailored to the specific stage and type of tumor. The three primary methods are:
- Surgical treatment: Involving complete or partial organ removal. Doctors prioritize preserving the organ whenever possible.
- Chemotherapy (anti-tumor) or targeted therapy: Designed to target and weaken malignant cells.
- Radiation therapy: Utilizing specialized radiation to destroy cancer cells.
For tumors detected at stage zero or stage one, surgical treatment is often sufficient. For stages two and three, treatments typically involve a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy.
All specialized care for oncology patients is provided free of charge under compulsory medical insurance in the region.
Infographics shared by the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug Center for Public Health and Medical Prevention provide valuable insights into preventing “female” oncology.
Breast Cancer Prevention Infographics
Photo: Center for Public Health and Medical Prevention of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug
Breast cancer prevention
Photo: Center for Public Health and Medical Prevention of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug
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health challenge: malignant tumors primarily affect women. This article explores the prevalence of “female” oncology in the region, delves into the reasons behind this trend, and provides crucial information on prevention and treatment options."/>
