Number Suffering from Cancer Increased in Sighnaghi

The number of people sick with cancer has increased in the Sighnaghi district. According to the data collected for 11 month during 2008 a total of 558 patients were registered in Sighnaghi district hospital inflicted with the disease. This is a substantial increase over last year, 558 vs. 400.

Doctors state that the number of patients is higher than officially registered figure. Several factors are claimed as being the cause for cancer disease in Sighnaghi district. The villages were supplied with drinking water via asbestos pipes. According to the National Center for the Control of Diseases Asbestos contains cacogenic substances and causes cancer. In addition, former warehouses of poisons still remain in Sighnaghi district that is left without proper attention. This warehouse is located very close to settlements.

Gela Mtivlishvili, Kakheti