Each daily trip to the cancer center brought the realization of how far advanced the Western world is in its standard of care. According to the Irkutsk doctors, about 7,000 new cancer cases are reported each year in their state. Russia has no prostate cancer screening. Mammograms are offered, but only three mammography units serve three and a half million people. If a woman has breast cancer, she has few options.
Mastectomy is the only acceptable treatment.
Similarly, a man with prostate cancer is treated by removing his testicles to reduce the level of hormones and control the disease. There appears to be equality in this noble profession in Irkutsk. Engstrom, Ridge and the delegation returned to Philadelphia on May 7. They hope the foundation they laid will be the start of a lasting professional relationship that can help bring improved care to a region so desperately in need. As a result of the visit, the American-Russian Cancer Education and Research Cooperative was formed and has set definite goals.