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MP: Number of childhood cancer cases in Azerbaijan doubles over past 14 years

02 February 2026 16:04 (UTC +04:00)

“The most alarming issue is the increase in oncological diseases among children,” MP Hijran Huseynova said at today’s session of parliament, APA reports.

The MP noted that the number of cancer patients is rising: “According to official data from the State Statistical Committee, the number of patients registered in medical institutions was 21,088 in 2000 and 73,875 in 2024. Over 24 years, this figure has increased by approximately 3.5 times. The most alarming issue is the growing number of oncological diseases among children. In the 0–13 age group, 7.1 children per 100,000 suffer from this disease, while in the 14–17 age group, the figure is 10.6 per 100,000. Over the past 14 years, the number of oncological patients among children has doubled. These are official statistical figures. And of course, one center is physically struggling to provide quality services to such a large number of patients. Allowing private clinics to treat cancer patients would mean distributing the patient burden. Waiting lines will decrease, treatment will become more accessible for people, and this will lead to an increase in medical resources in this field.”

According to the MP, this change could also serve as an important legal basis for including oncology services in the insurance package in the future: “However, there is a need to equip those private clinics with modern devices and to train qualified personnel. Special attention should also be paid to this issue.”