Almost 12,000 cancer-related deaths in Slovakia in 2009

In 2009 cancer-related illnesses cost 11,966 lives in Slovakia, according to the Slovak Statistics Office.
The most common cause of death was lung and bronchial cancer, with 2,056 cases, mainly among men. Other frequently diagnosed oncological diseases include gastrointestinal ailments, likely to be caused by lifestyle and dietary habits prevalent in Slovakia. In 2009 colon cancer resulted in 951 deaths, pancreatic cancer 712, stomach cancer 684 and rectal cancer 503.
Breast cancer caused more deaths than any other form among women: 700 in total. Prostate cancer cost 506 lives among men; malignant brain tumours caused 336 and kidney cancer 382 deaths. Cervical cancer cost 213 lives, malignant tumours of the cervical area were responsible for 180 deaths, and ovarian malignant germ cell tumour killed 272 people. It is estimated that approximately 20% of the Slovak female population present themselves for regular gynaecological examinations which allow early diagnosis and treatment of possible illness.
According to the National Cancer Registry, the prevalence of malignant tumours is increasing in Slovakia. In 1968 there were 12,353 diagnosed cases of malignant tumours, whereas in 2003 the number had climbed to 24,000.