Russia sees 5 pct drop in childhood cancer mortality over past 4 years: health minister

MOSCOW, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Childhood cancer mortality in Russia has fallen by more than 5 percent over the past four years, while the incidence rate stood at 12.1 cases per 100,000 children in 2025, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said Thursday.

Speaking at the Russian National Congress on Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Murashko said lymphoma is the most common type of childhood cancer in Russia.

Russia has now reached the European average in childhood cancer treatment in terms of diagnostic capabilities and access to advanced therapies, Murashko said, noting that children diagnosed with cancer receive inpatient care "within just a few days."

The overall survival rate for children with cancer in Russia exceeds 83 percent, he added.

Murashko also said that cell-based therapies, which were still under development eight years ago, are now used in cancer treatment and covered by the country's compulsory medical insurance program.

"Russia is virtually the only country in the world with a high level of access to anticancer drugs for children, including those not yet registered," he said.

The minister added that efforts are underway to upgrade the facilities and technical equipment of pediatric oncology centers. Hospitalizations in 2025 rose 42 percent from five years earlier to 103,000.