NOURNEWS: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Iran, following cardiovascular diseases. Various types of cancers are responsible for 34,000 out of 122,000 annual premature deaths (under 70), and 11,000 out of 85,000 annual over-premature deaths (under 50) in the country.

The incidence of cancer has risen over the past few years, with few Iranian families untouched by the disease among their members. Cancer, besides the physical and psychological pain associated with it, is considered a costly illness. The shortage of medicines poses even more challenges for patients and their families.

Previously, an official from Iran’s Health Ministry announced that over 150,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in Iran, with nearly 400,000 people affected by it every five years. He added that Iran is among the most developed nations in treating many types of the disease. However, the bitter truth remains: about 55,000 people die each year in Iran due to cancers.

According to the latest figures from the National Cancer Registry, it is predicted that new cancer diagnoses in Iran will rise to 160,000 a year in the next couple of years, with the occurrence rate increasing by 40 percent during the same period.

Studies indicate that lifestyle changes, adopting a healthy diet, and regular physical activity can reduce the risk of half of all cancers. The 10 most common cancers in Iran include breast, prostate, colon, stomach, lung, bladder, thyroid, uterus, brain, and nervous system cancers. Among Iranian women, the most common are breast, colon, thyroid, stomach, uterus, leukemia, ovary, brain and nervous system, lung, and esophagus cancers.

While cancer treatment costs are significant, advancements in medicine over recent decades have contributed to a decrease in the cancer rate. Iran recognizes cancer as a special disease requiring the government's attention and allocation of funds to assist patients in covering some of their costs.

The head of the Cancer Department affiliated with the Health Ministry stated that although cancers are increasing worldwide, Iran still has one of the lowest rates. Leila Moadab-Shoar added, "Many risk factors contribute to cancers, with most attributed to environmental factors and only a few caused by genetic factors." She further stated, "Therefore, one can reduce the chance of the disease by revising their lifestyle, including preventing infections and eating healthily." She mentioned obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption as environmental risk factors for cancer.

"Chemical fertilizers in agriculture, the widespread use of plastics and their entry into human foods, consumption of fast foods, and a decrease in physical activity are among other causes of cancers."

Health Ministry Screening Program for Cancer

The increasing trend of cancers in Iran has prompted the Health Ministry to strengthen screening for three main cancers, including breast, colon, and cervical cancer, over the past years.

Leila Moadab-Shoar mentioned that due to the importance of early cancer diagnosis, special free services will be introduced to aid in the early detection of breast and colon cancers. "Very soon, women over 30 will be invited to attend healthcare centers for diagnostic services. Colonoscopy will also soon be added to the list of free screening tests," she said.