October Welcomes the International Congress on Cancer Prevention: Join the Fight Against Cancer!
TEHRAN – The upcoming second International Congress on Cancer Prevention, organized by the University of Zanjan, is set to take place from October 1 to 2. This significant event aims to foster research collaborations with educational institutions, NGOs, and governmental ministries, both nationally and internationally. The congress will focus on eight critical topics, including nutrition, genetics, technology, artificial intelligence, and psychological science modeling, among others, as reported by IRNA.
The primary goal of this congress is to raise public awareness about cancer prevention, thereby reducing its incidence and improving community health across the country.
A total of 161 articles were submitted for consideration, and after a rigorous judging process, 101 articles from local and international scholars were accepted. These contributions come from diverse countries, including Canada, the Netherlands, Turkey, India, Taiwan, Germany, and Armenia. Out of the accepted articles, 32 will be presented as lectures, while 69 will be featured in poster sessions.
Moreover, the congress will host 24 key lecturers, including prominent figures from neighboring and European countries, further enhancing the event’s international appeal.
Preventive Measures Against Cancer
The Ministry of Health is planning to implement a comprehensive screening program aimed at the early detection of the three most common preventable cancers: breast, cervical, and colon cancers. This initiative will initially be piloted in the provinces of Qom, Isfahan, and Mazandaran as part of the family physician program.
According to Jafar Jandaqi, an official with the health ministry, the target groups for this program will include individuals aged 30 to 70, with some cases extending to those aged 40 to 75. Both early and advanced testing options for these cancers will be made available. Jandaqi mentioned that approximately six or seven months after initiating the program, it will be expanded nationwide.
Key Benefits of Early Detection:
- Prevent up to 40% of cancers.
- Increase the chances of successful treatment.
- Improve life expectancy for cancer patients.
In contrast to practices in other countries, where screening programs typically target high-risk groups, the health ministry’s initiative will provide comprehensive screening for these cancers throughout individuals’ lives, from birth to the final years, within the Primary Health Care (PHC) system. This approach aims to define treatment protocols and offer home-based palliative care services to individuals in need.
The screening program will incorporate various service packages, including prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation options. The health ministry also plans to leverage modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to enhance diagnostic capabilities and service delivery.
Cancer Statistics in Iran
According to the health ministry, cancers are among the leading causes of premature mortality in Iran, resulting in over 55,000 deaths annually. Specifically, around 34,000 of those deaths occur among individuals under 70 years of age, while an additional 11,000 fatalities are recorded among those under 50.
The latest national cancer census indicates that new cancer cases in Iran may rise to approximately 160,000 by the Iranian calendar year 1404 (March 2025 – March 2026), reflecting a staggering 43% increase. The most common types of cancer in the country include:
- Breast Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Uterine Cancer
- Brain Cancer
- Spine Cancer
For Iranian women specifically, the most prevalent cancers include:
- Breast Cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Uterine Cancer
- Leukemia
- Ovarian Cancer
- Brain Cancer
- Spine Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
Currently, around 250,000 Iranians are living with cancer, highlighting the urgent need for effective prevention and treatment strategies in the nation.
Stay updated for more information on the outcomes of the congress and its implications for cancer prevention in Iran.