Belarusian doctors propose introducing health certificates

June 13, Minsk /Svetlana Savko - BELTA/. Belarusian doctors propose to introduce a so-called health certificate. This is a list of necessary preventive examinations and tests compiled by a medical professional, said Edward Zhawrid, head of the chemotherapy department at the N.N. Alexandrov National Research Center for Oncology and Medical Radiology, told reporters today, as reported by a BELTA correspondent. A health certificate may include, for example, computed tomography, ultrasound, blood tests, and screening studies intended for early detection of breast or prostate cancer. Such certificates could be the best gift for a loved one, for example, for a birthday, believes Edward Zhawrid. Commenting on the situation where specialists in polyclinics, in the absence of patient complaints, do not always refer them for additional examination, Edward Zhawrid urged not to shift the burden of caring for one's health solely onto the state. One can consult any doctor, including at a private medical institution, talk about habits and health problems, and the doctor will compile a list of necessary examinations. In Belarus, over the past 10 years, the incidence of cancer per 100,000 population has increased by 34%. The average annual growth is about 3%. As of the beginning of 2012, almost 250,000 residents of Belarus, or more than 2.5% of its population, were registered for malignant neoplasms. -0-