Inside the investment in cancer care: What’s changed with the arrival of new technologies

Over 100,000 cancer patients are currently registered in Uzbekistan. Alarmingly, more than half of these patients are diagnosed at stage III or IV, requiring treatment that combines surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. 

Among these, breast cancer stands out as one of the leading cancers affecting women in the country. In 2022, it made up 14% of all new cancer cases, and 45% of those cases ended in death. “Just ten years ago, breast cancer was considered a disease of older women, mostly over 60. Today, it is getting younger. Cases are now being diagnosed in women as young as 20 to 25 years old”, says Dr. Lola. 

For women today, awareness, self-checks, and early detection are no longer optional — they are essential. Especially now, as proactive care has become more accessible than ever, thanks to the installation of new medical equipment across all regions of Uzbekistan.

In 2024, a joint initiative by the Government of Uzbekistan, the Islamic Development Bank, and UNOPS equipped 14 hospitals with 1,500 units of advanced medical equipment, worth over USD 62 million. These technologies, many introduced for the first time in the country and still rare in Central Asia, are reshaping cancer care. Dr. Lola Zokirova explains how.

“A few years ago, access to mammography was extremely limited — just one or two machines in the entire country, and only in private clinics. Today, every regional branch of the oncology and radiology center is equipped with a mammography machine”, says Dr. Lola. 

A similar situation existed with PET-CT scans, once only available in a single private clinic. “Due to long waiting lists and limited access, many patients were forced to travel abroad to undergo the procedure. Today, the PET-CT scan installed in the center is offered free of charge, making this critical diagnostic service accessible to all patients in Uzbekistan”, she adds.

Equipped with modern technology that aligns with global standards, the centers are now able to deliver integrated and advanced cancer care. 37 new multifunctional ultrasound scanners worth USD 1.2 million, have been installed across all regions of Uzbekistan — a key tool for diagnosing breast cancer, especially in women under 40.

In addition, 12 digital mammography systems, with a total value of USD 2.5 million, installed across the country, support enhanced breast screening. Unlike older mammography machines, which involved higher radiation exposure, the new technology used at the centers is safe and delivers significantly higher image quality. “This new generation of mammography is a revolution in breast imaging. It includes tomosynthesis and vacuum-assisted biopsy to detect tumors at an extremely early stage — even ones as small as 0.5 mm, smaller than a grain of rice! It also allows for precise tissue sampling without surgery, so treatment begins long before the tumor becomes clinically visible”, notes Dr. Lola.

The PET-CT scanner, installed in the capital at a cost of USD 2.3 million, is a vital tool. This advanced and rare equipment helps to assess the spread of cancer and detect metastasis and determine the exact stage of the disease to choose the most effective treatment strategy and monitor the progress of the selected therapy.

Every region in the country can now conduct regular screenings for women over 40, including breast imaging. These images are sent to a central reading center in Tashkent, where radiologists analyze them using advanced systems. If any signs of cancer are detected, patients are called in for further evaluation.

The transformation of the center can clearly be seen through the example of just one type of cancer. Today, it not only offers accurate diagnostics but also provides full treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, for those diagnosed with cancer. All under one roof.

Most importantly, the new equipment has not just improved the quality of medical care; it has changed the way women perceive the disease. “With the advancements in this field, I have noticed a real change in women's behavior. While in the past many women were hesitant to speak up about their concerns, now they voluntarily undergo screenings and treatment. That says a lot,” noted Dr. Lola.

This willingness is a sign of growing trust in the healthcare system achieved through greater access to high-quality technologies and services — free healthcare, early diagnosis, and the latest medical advancements. They were driven by the procurement of advanced medical equipment, which has significantly improved the availability of diagnostic and treatment tools. As a result, women are now better informed about the risks, the value of early detection, and how regular screenings can greatly improve treatment outcomes.