About 900 new cases of breast cancer are detected annually in Moldova. Each third woman goes to see a doctor when the disease is at an advanced stage. Currently, there are more than 9,000 women in Moldova suffering from breast cancer, IPN reports.

In a news conference on Friday, Vasile Jovmir, specialist in oncology at the Ministry of Health, said the number of cases of breast cancer is on the rise. The late detection of the disease leads to a higher death rate and this is alarming. As many as 871 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. 486 women died of this disease.

The doctor also said that 90% of the women discover the tumor themselves by palpation. The women should have a mammographic test at least once in two years. Those under 40 should do ultrasound if they do not have symptoms. However, mammography is the most efficient examination method. 2-3% of the women who have a mammographic examination for prophylactic purposes discover disorders.

Another worrisome fact is the considerable decrease in the age limit when breast cancer is detected. “The cancer started to affect younger persons. The age limit is by 6-8 lower,” said Larisa Sofroni, breast surgeon at the Oncology Institute.

The mammographic examination for medically insured persons is free, while for those without health insurance costs over 100 lei in state medical institutions and slightly more in private ones.