More than one-third of breast cancer cases detected in later stages in 2016

RIGA - Last year, 1,152 women in Latvia were diagnosed with breast cancer, of which for 37 percent breast cancer was detected in stage 3 or 4, as the Health Ministry's oncology expert Dace Baltina told a press conference today.

Although this is a very high percentage, it has been decreasing steadily, albeit not very fast, said Baltina.

According to statistics, on the average, there are 22 cases of cervical cancer per 100,000 women in Latvia. This is one of the highest figures in Europe, stressed Baltina. For instance, in Britain, the proportion is four times lower.

In order to raise public awareness of cancer prevention, the Health Ministry has started information campaign "Family Happiness" to promote cancer screening; the campaign will run through September.

During the campaign, information to the public will be disseminated on the radio, television and social networks, there will also be lectures at workplaces and question and answer sessions on the Internet.