Upgrading radiotherapy services in Moldova (Arabic Edition)

Moldova, with the support of the IAEA, is dealing with over 11 000 new cancer cases a year — often reported at a late stage, when chances of getting cured are lower. Nearly half of these patients now undergo radiotherapy at the newly equipped Institute of Oncology and the Republican Clinical Hospital, in Chisinau, the capital. "Under the National Cancer Control Programme for 2016–2025, the aim is to reduce cancer mortality by 7%," said Rodica Mindruta-Stratan, a senior oncology surgeon at the Institute of Oncology and Head of the National Cancer Control Programme at the country's Ministry of Health. "Despite recent improvements in early diagnosis, tumours still accounted for over 6000 cases of death in 2016, representing the second highest cause of mortality." The National Cancer Control Programme sets out to increase access to services for early diagnosis, screening, prevention and treatment. Since the mid-2000s, the IAEA has worked closely with Moldova's authorities to improve radiotherapy and nuclear medicine services. Moldova faces immense challenges in the health care sector, including cancer diagnosis and treatment.