Epidemiology of ovarian cancer in Kazakhstan (2013-2018)
Relevance: According to Globocan 2018, ovarian cancer (OC) ranks 18<sup>th</sup> among all other cancers affecting women around the world. More than 295,414 new cases of OC were reported only in 2018. The incidence is low in Western Europe and is high in Latvia, Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Russia, and Kazakhstan. In 2018, ovarian malignancies ranked 8<sup>th</sup> (3.1%) in Kazakhstan among all malignant tumors. At that, there are no clearly recognized preventative measures to ensure the early detection of OC. 70% of ovarian malignancies are detected at stage III-IV. The purpose of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis and assessment of the dynamics of the prevalence of OC in the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2013-2018. Results: The analysis of age-related OC incidence in Kazakhstan showed the presence of ovarian malignancies in all age groups, with a marked increase by the age of 65-69 years. The majority of patients were women of the working age. Differences were found in the incidence rates by regions of the country. In the study period, the incidence was high in Qostanai, Pavlodar, and North Kazakhstan regions (northern part of the country) and Almaty. The incidence was below the national average in Atyrau, Jambyl, and South Kazakhstan regions (southern and western parts of the country). Recent years have witnessed a sharp increase in OC incidence in East Kazakhstan and Karaganda regions. Conclusion: The analysis of OC prevalence in the Republic of Kazakhstan and by regions showed an increase in OC incidence. There is a marked increase in OC detection in the northern areas of the country and a decrease in the number of cases in the south.