200 People Die Daily from Cancer in Iran

The research deputy of the Cancer Research Institute at Tehran University of Medical Sciences states that cancer claims the lives of about 200 people daily in Iran, making it the second leading cause of death in the country. Dr. Kazem Zandeh Del, in an interview with the 'Etemad Online' media outlet, noted that this mortality rate from cancer is 'equivalent to the daily crash of a passenger plane, yet there seems to be insufficient sensitivity regarding this issue.' He claimed that it is predicted 'the number of cancer patients in the country will double over the next 15 years.' Zandeh Del pointed out that, according to statistics from 1399 (2020), the number of cancer patients in the country was about 131,000, with an incidence rate of 152 cases per 100,000 people. He asserted that 'these statistics are estimates but are highly accurate, as significant efforts were made to record cancer statistics accurately from 1393 to 1400 (2014-2021).' Unfortunately, he added, the publication of these statistics has been halted for the past four years, creating challenges in planning. This university researcher emphasized that 'the halt in the publication of statistics may stem from a lack of willingness for transparency, but this gap must be addressed as soon as possible. Our suggestion is to revive the population-based cancer registry program and regularly publish statistics so policymakers can make decisions based on accurate information.' Zandeh Del discussed the possibility of preventing cancer, stating, 'About 50% of cancers are preventable. Actions such as reducing tobacco, hookah, and opium consumption, controlling air pollution, maintaining a healthy diet, and increasing physical activity can play a significant role in reducing cancer incidence.' However, he added that 'half of cancers have no specific cause and cannot be prevented. In such cases, early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial.' He highlighted the importance of screening, explaining, 'The country has screening programs for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers, but financial resource limitations and economic issues hinder the full implementation of these programs.' Dr. Zandeh Del also mentioned warning signs of cancer, stating, 'People should pay attention to symptoms such as extreme fatigue, unexplained weight loss, abnormal bleeding, or wounds that do not heal, and consult a doctor if these occur.' He stressed that proper cancer management requires early identification, standard treatment, and patient rehabilitation. Zandeh Del proposed the establishment of a national cancer management headquarters, stating, 'Our suggestion is to form a powerful headquarters for cancer management. This headquarters should be able to provide comprehensive programs for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and patient care so that we can effectively combat this disease.' The recommendations from this medical researcher come as experts warn of a worsening crisis in the pharmaceutical sector, with predictions that drug shortages will soon become one of the biggest problems for patients. In this context, a spokesperson for the Health Commission of the Parliament warned on December 23 that the critical drug shortage has reached 116 items, emphasizing to the government that if no measures are taken, shortages could increase tenfold by the end of the year. The result of the 'disappearance' of 10 trillion tomans from the drug budget; part of the program on the last page of the failure of the 'Population Youth' law; the statistics on 'legal abortions' have not changed; the price of drugs and medical equipment will increase by up to 40%; the drug crisis in Iran; government concealment and the removal of subsidies from the vital needs of the people.