The number of newly registered patients with oncological diseases in the Varna and Dobrichka region increased by nearly 10% last year. This is shown by the data of the Specialized Hospital for active treatment of oncological diseases in Varna, BNT reported.
The medical facility, which serves patients from all over North-Eastern Bulgaria, now has a renovated base that meets the highest European requirements.
The situation regarding the cancer registry is a bit hazy. We continue to maintain such a registry with us, while other hospitals do not, and these figures are indeed somewhat relative. We do what we can and what is in our power, we support a whole unit in the hospital that deals with this, without receiving absolutely nothing in return", said Prof. Georgi Kobakov - manager of SBALOZ – Varna.
In recent years, the number of patients with skin cancer has increased the most, Prof. Kobakov announced. Years ago it was relatively rare, today it is among the most common malignant diseases. Cases of breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men, and colorectal cancer are also increasing. According to Prof. Kobakov, this is mainly due to the longer 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 exact statistics are lacking, Prof. Kobakov is adamant that oncological diseases are becoming more common among young people.
"50, 60-year-olds are not old people for me. These are people in the prime of life and could continue a normal, comfortable, quality life. The main things that are necessary for the treatment of patients, such as comprehensive care with all multidisciplinary approaches that are necessary in the treatment of such patients, we have them here," said Prof. Georgi Kobakov - manager of SBALOZ – 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 at the oncology hospital in Varna. She says that her job as an oncologist is not easy, but she is motivated by her love for the profession and her calling to help people.
When your patient says "thank you" and you know you did your job willingly and helped that person – it's the best feeling you can feel inside yourself. Oncological diseases are the scourge of our time and there are still many things to be rediscovered in treatment and diagnostics, Dr. Monika Zaneva summarized – surgeon at SBALOZ – Varna.
According to Prof. Kobakov, there is still a lack of adequate funding for oncology healthcare facilities in our country, although steps are already being taken in the right direction.
"Oncological diseases and the care of these patients should be a state policy. These are very serious diseases, very labor-intensive and financially demanding. A lot of money is thrown into the treatment of such patients. But I think it's worth it. It's worth it when you see the light in the eyes of such a patient whom you discharge and think is already healthy", said Prof. Georgi Kobakov - manager of SBALOZ – Varna.
The specialized hospital for active treatment of oncological diseases in Varna now welcomes its patients in a renovated building. It has a modern doctor's office, a training room for specialists, a new waiting room and a registry office, and a specialized platform provides easier access for people with disabilities.