Head of Shahid Beheshti Cancer Research Center: Iran Among Top Ten Countries in Cancer Growth

The head of the Cancer Research Center at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran stated that a comparison of the population pyramid and the number of patients shows that Iran is among the top ten countries in cancer growth. Dr. Mohammad Esmail Akbari told Khabar Online that Iran is one of the countries with the highest cancer growth rates, indicating that while we still have between one-fourth to one-fifth of the cancer rates seen in Western countries, our aging population and increased exposure to risk factors have led to a significant rise in cancer cases, placing us among the top ten countries in the world for cancer growth. He added that while the number of cancer patients is low, other factors are increasing, such as the rise in risk factors and the longer duration of exposure due to increased life expectancy. According to domestic statistics, breast cancer is the most common cancer among Iranian women, while prostate cancer is the most common among Iranian men. Previously, stomach cancer was the most common among men but has now dropped to third place among men and fourth among women, indicating a decline in stomach cancer cases. Four specific cancers affect women: uterine, cervical, ovarian, and breast cancer. Cancer is the second leading cause of death among the Iranian population. Factors contributing to the rise in cancer cases in Iran include low fruit and vegetable consumption, decreased physical activity, obesity, high cholesterol, drug and tobacco use, and environmental factors. Afshin Ostovar, the director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Management Office at the Ministry of Health, previously stated that based on data recorded three years ago, 135,000 Iranians are diagnosed with cancer annually, making it the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. This data is outdated, and no new statistics have been provided by any authority. In recent years, environmental crises in Iran have heightened concerns about rising cancer rates. A few months ago, as dust storms continued across vast areas of Iran, including Ilam, a representative from this province warned on March 14 that if no action is taken to combat dust storms, a 'cancer tsunami' would engulf the people of Ilam. Recently, a large portion of Lake Urmia has dried up, leading to warnings about salt storms and increased cancer risk. Government officials in Iran describe the scientific capabilities and medical staff as good, asserting that all cancer patients in Iran have the ability to continue treatment. However, reports from the public on social media indicate a shortage of medications and medical facilities for cancer and other specific disease patients. In April, Dr. Akbari stated that the age of breast cancer diagnosis in Iran is ten years younger than in other parts of the world, with an average diagnosis age of 45 to 55 years. Two new cancer drugs have been approved in the U.S.; Shahram Kordasti described this as 'very good' news for patients. The Cancer Research Agency warned that artificial sweeteners in diet sodas are 'probably carcinogenic.' The newspaper Payam Ma reported that the Aras River is contaminated with 'radioactive' materials. There is a transformation in oncology with artificial intelligence; Dr. Kordasti noted that Iran needs to prepare its infrastructure. The death of Hossein Zaman, a critic of the Iranian government, sparked reactions from users: 'He died of grief.' The Cancer Research Center reiterated that the age of breast cancer diagnosis in Iran is 'ten years younger' than the global average. Reza Haghighat-Nejad, an exiled journalist, has passed away. New studies indicate that the consumption of processed foods increases the risk of death.