Every year, cancer remains one of the most serious threats to the health of Kazakhstan’s population. According to the Ministry of Health, more than 41,300 new cancer cases were registered in the country in 2024, while the total number of people living with a cancer diagnosis exceeded 230,900. This is 5.8% higher than a year earlier.
At the same time, cancer incidence is increasing in urban areas, while declining in rural regions. The highest rates are recorded in industrial and environmentally burdened regions such as Karaganda, Kostanay, and East Kazakhstan regions.
Nationwide, cancer incidence in cities reaches around 239 cases per 100,000 residents, whereas in rural areas the figure is significantly lower - about 147 cases per 100,000 people.
These are not just dry statistics. They reflect a reality in which health is influenced not only by medicine, but also by lifestyle, environmental conditions, social factors, and access to modern diagnostics. It is also important to note that a rise in the number of diagnoses does not always mean a deterioration of the situation - in many cases it is the result of expanded screening programs and improved case registration.
Which types of cancer are diagnosed most often
Another important observation concerns the structure of diagnoses themselves. In the first six months of 2025, the Ministry of Health reported the most frequently diagnosed cancers as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, and cervical cancer. In absolute terms, this corresponds to around 2,702 cases of breast cancer, 2,056 cases of colorectal cancer, and 1,952 cases of lung cancer.
Breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer in Kazakhstan and ranks first in incidence among women. It is most often diagnosed in older age groups. Although screening programs help detect tumors at early stages, this form of cancer still remains a significant cause of mortality and a serious burden on the healthcare system. The main risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, hormonal factors, and radiation exposure.
Mammography is recommended starting from the age of 40 and should be performed once every two years, even in the absence of symptoms. For women with a family history of the disease, doctors advise starting examinations earlier and undergoing them more frequently, based on individual recommendations from an oncologist or mammologist.
“An in-depth analysis within the ethnic group of Kazakh women showed that breast cancer accounts for 26.3% of all registered malignant neoplasms and is responsible for 8.7% of all cancer-related deaths in this population. Protective effects are associated with physical activity, breastfeeding, and abstaining from alcohol,” the Journal of Oncology and Radiology of Kazakhstan noted.
Colorectal cancer has also taken a leading position in recent years. It is diagnosed almost as frequently as breast cancer and occurs in men and women at nearly equal rates. This statistic reflects the impact of modern dietary habits and lifestyle on the health of the population. In 2023, around 4,000 new cases were registered, with an almost equal gender distribution.
“Kazakhstan, with a population of 20 million, has more than 200,000 cancer patients, including 18,500 with colorectal cancer. About 40,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed annually, and this number continues to grow. Around 50,000 patients receive anticancer therapy each year, which is provided free of charge through state funding. The government launched a cancer treatment program in 2000, and its budget increased from 5 million US dollars in 2002 to 200 million US dollars in 2024,” said Abai Dzhumanov, Head of the Abdominal Oncology Department at the Kazakh Institute of Oncology and Radiology, in his presentation at the first event of the Global Cancer Movement initiated by OncoDaily.
Lung cancer traditionally ranks among the top three. It remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer, especially among men, and is directly linked to factors such as smoking and air pollution - phenomena that are particularly pronounced in large cities and industrial centers.
Stomach cancer and cervical cancer are also among the five most common cancer diagnoses in the country. These cancers are largely influenced by dietary conditions, infections, and how early people seek medical attention. Cervical cancer is considered one of the most preventable types of cancer. Screening begins at the age of 30. Women are advised to undergo a Pap test or HPV test every four years. These examinations make it possible to detect precancerous changes long before a tumor develops.
Why this matters
Differences between regions of Kazakhstan are not accidental. In areas with high levels of industrial pollution, such as Karaganda and East Kazakhstan regions, cancer incidence rates are noticeably higher than the national average. This strengthens the hypothesis that environmental conditions and ecological factors play a role in cancer risk.
At the same time, positive changes are being observed in the healthcare system. According to the Ministry of Health, more than one-third of new cancer cases are detected at early, more easily treatable stages thanks to free screening and preventive programs. Despite rising incidence, cancer mortality in Kazakhstan shows a downward trend. Various sources, including official statements by authorities, note that comprehensive anti-cancer programs have helped reduce mortality rates in recent years.
