Increase in the number of cancer patients in Varna and Dobrich districts

The number of newly registered cancer patients in the districts of Varna and Dobrich, Northeastern Bulgaria, increased by almost 10% last year. This is according to the data of the Specialised Hospital for Active Treatment of Oncological Diseases in Varna. The hospital, which serves patients from all over North-Eastern Bulgaria, now has a renovated facility that meets the highest European standards.

An alarming increase of patients with malignant diseases is reported by specialists in the country. However, it is not known exactly by how much, as the National Cancer Registry is currently not functioning.

"The situation is a bit hazy with regard to the cancer registry. We continue to maintain such a registry here, whereas other hospitals do not and these figures are really a bit relative. We do what we can and what is in our power, we maintain a whole unit in the hospital that deals with this, getting absolutely nothing in return," said Prof. Georgi Kobakov - the manager of the Hospital.

In recent years, the number of patients with skin cancer has increased the most, said prof. Kobakov. Years ago it was relatively rare, today it is among the most common malignancies. Cases of breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men and colorectal cancer are also on the rise. According to prof. Kobakov, this is mainly due to the increased life expectancy.

"The older a person is, the greater the possibility of developing cancer. Especially skin carcinomas. They are almost inevitable with age," explained prof. Kobakov.

Although there are no exact statistics, prof. Kobakov is adamant that cancer is on the rise in young people.

"To me, 50- to 60-year-olds are not elderly people. These are people in the prime of life and could continue a normal, comfortable life. The basic things that are needed for the treatment of patients, such as comprehensive care with all the multidisciplinary approaches that are needed in the treatment of such patients, we have them here," said Prof. Georgi Kobakov - Manager of the hospital in Varna.

Until recently, one of the most serious problems facing oncology in Bulgaria was the outflow of young specialists to hospitals abroad. Today many of them choose to stay in the country. Dr. Monika Zaneva is among the youngest doctors in the oncology hospital in Varna. She says that her job as an oncology surgeon is not easy, but she is motivated by her love for her profession and her calling to help people.

"When a patient says 'thank you' and you know that you have done your job and helped that person - that is the best feeling. Oncological diseases are the scourge of our time and there are still many things to be discovered in treatment and diagnostics", Dr. Monika Zaneva - surgeon at the Hospital of Oncology – Varna, said.

According to prof. Kobakov, there is still a lack of adequate funding for oncological health care institutions in Bulgaria, although steps are already being made in the right direction.

"Cancer and the care of these patients should be a state policy. These are very serious diseases, very labour intensive and financially demanding. A lot of finances are needed for treating such patients. But I think it is worth it. It is worth it when you see the light in the eyes of such a patient whom you discharge and you think he is already healthy," said Prof. Georgi Kobakov - manager of the hospital in Varna.

The Specialised Hospital for Active Treatment of Oncological Diseases in Varna now has a renovated building. It has a modern doctor's office, a training room for post-graduate students, a new waiting room and registry, and a specialised platform provides easier access for people with disabilities.