Empowering Women’s Health: Launch of 7th Nationwide Screening Campaign for Common Cancers
The seventh nationwide screening campaign for prevalent cancers in women has officially been launched, coinciding with October, recognized globally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This initiative aims to raise awareness and provide essential resources for early detection and prevention of breast cancer among women in Iran.
The Iranian National Cancer Institute (INCO) hosted a significant press conference on Monday, October 13, at the Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR) in Tehran. Key figures in attendance included:
- Dr. Zahra Sheikhi, Vice President of Research and Technology at ACECR
- Dr. Ramin Sarrami Foroushani, President of the ACECR Iranian National Cancer Institute
- Dr. Asieh Olfat-Bakhsh, Deputy of Research and Education of INCO
Olfat-Bakhsh announced that the nationwide awareness campaign is set to provide free breast examination services for women in several districts of Tehran, including Districts 2, 3, 4, 16, and 19. This collaborative effort involves the ACECR, the Iranian National Cancer Institute, and the Tehran Municipality.
“According to the most recent data released by the international GLOBOCAN database (2023), approximately 15,700 Iranian women were diagnosed with breast cancer. Given the female population at that time (42 million), the incidence rate of breast cancer in Iran is estimated at 35 to 37 cases per 100,000 women,” stated Olfat-Bakhsh, highlighting the importance of understanding these statistics in the context of global breast cancer awareness.
These figures are derived from reliable international data sources and may vary slightly across reports depending on predictive models or estimation methods.
Provinces with Higher Breast Cancer Incidence
Olfat-Bakhsh further discussed the geographical distribution of breast cancer in Iran, noting that provinces such as:
- Tehran
- Alborz
- Qom
- Yazd
- Isfahan
- Gilan
- Mazandaran
exhibit higher breast cancer incidence rates, marked in red on statistical maps — indicating more than 30 cases per 100,000 women. Conversely, provinces like Ilam, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Sistan and Baluchestan, and Khuzestan show lower incidence rates. Olfat-Bakhsh explained that these disparities may be attributed to:
- Urban and industrial lifestyles
- Lower fertility rates
- Delayed first pregnancies
- Lower physical activity levels in industrialized areas
Lifestyle Factors and Breast Cancer Risk
Olfat-Bakhsh highlighted that the primary factor driving the higher incidence of breast cancer in industrial provinces is lifestyle. Factors such as:
- Poor dietary habits
- Physical inactivity
- Higher maternal age at first childbirth
- Smaller family sizes
are significant contributors to the rising statistics. Furthermore, in less-developed provinces, lower reported rates may result from underreporting due to cultural barriers or limited access to healthcare services.
Environmental Factors: Air Pollution
On the topic of air pollution, Olfat-Bakhsh remarked, “Environmental factors certainly play a role in cancer development, but so far, no direct scientific study has established a definitive link between air pollution and breast cancer. Thus, only factors confirmed by large-scale, evidence-based studies can be regarded as proven risk contributors.”
Implementation of Nationwide Awareness Campaign in October
Regarding the organization’s efforts during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Olfat-Bakhsh stated, “For several years, the ACECR Motamed Cancer Institute (MCI) has organized a nationwide awareness campaign every October, focusing on awareness, early detection, and lifestyle modifications. The primary goal of this campaign is to empower women with knowledge about prevention methods, early diagnosis, and healthy living practices.”
To support this initiative, an educational webinar for midwives was held this year, attracting around 400 participants. The training addressed key topics such as:
- The nature of breast cancer
- Diagnostic and screening methods
- Education for prevention related to women’s health
Olfat-Bakhsh emphasized the importance of continuous education and public awareness: “Awareness is the first step toward prevention. The more women know about gynecological diseases and breast cancer, the greater the chance for early detection and successful treatment.”
Screening and Educational Programs in Five Districts of Tehran
Olfat-Bakhsh further elaborated on the Motamed Cancer Institute’s programs during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, stating, “Our programs are designed around two main axes: screening and education. In the screening phase, free breast examination services are being provided in several districts of Tehran in collaboration with the Tehran Municipality.”
Women can book an appointment for free breast examinations by contacting 88641398. These services will continue until the end of October at Building No. 1 of the Cancer Organization, located at Vanak Square, South Gandhi St.
Public Education and Awareness: The Core of the Campaign
Olfat-Bakhsh highlighted that the initiative’s goal is not mass coverage of the population but rather a cultural impact. “We do not claim to be able to examine a large portion of the population in one month. However, this symbolic action encourages every woman who participates to gain knowledge and share it with her family or colleagues. In fact, these activities help promote a culture of prevention and awareness in society.”
Organizations and institutions interested in hosting public education events can request support for on-site training from the institute’s specialists. To date, several major pharmaceutical companies, charitable foundations, and community centers have collaborated with the campaign to train their staff and target groups.
Collaboration with Tehran Municipality and Digital Platforms
In discussing the cultural outreach of the campaign, Olfat-Bakhsh noted, “In cooperation with the Tehran Municipality, Urban Beautification Organization, and Tehran Bus Company, awareness posters have been installed throughout the city to convey key educational messages to women.”
Additionally, the Public Relations Department of the Institute is working with companies like Snapp, Tapsi, and Digikala to conduct digital awareness campaigns. Educational videos are also available on the Organization’s website and Instagram page, providing women with accurate, science-based information.
Pink Illumination of Azadi Tower: A Symbolic Message
Highlighting the symbolic elements of the October campaign, Olfat-Bakhsh said, “One of the most iconic parts of the campaign is the pink lighting of the Azadi Tower, the global symbolic color of breast cancer awareness. Though a small gesture, it plays a significant role in reminding society of the importance of awareness and prevention.”
A special ceremony is also organized for breast cancer patients and survivors, known as the “Breast Cancer Survivors Celebration”, which invites women currently undergoing treatment or in recovery to share experiences and foster hope.
Slogan of the Year: “Early Detection, Effective Treatment”
Continuing the tradition of previous years, the campaign’s slogan is “Early Detection, Effective Treatment.” Olfat-Bakhsh emphasized, “Our goal is to strengthen awareness and hope among women, encouraging early detection to become a routine health habit in daily life.”
Adherence to International Mammography Protocols
Olfat-Bakhsh reassured participants that mammography practices are performed in full accordance with the latest international guidelines. She stressed, “Some claims circulating on social media about mammography being outdated or dangerous are entirely incorrect. In Iran, we follow the International Radiology Society’s standards, with no deviation from global protocols.”
The World Radiology Association updates its protocols annually, and it is crucial to adhere to the most recent recommendations. Currently, annual mammography is advised for women over 40, although in some countries, the process begins at age 50.
Differences in Screening Programs Worldwide
In some regions, mammography is conducted every two or three years as part of systematic national screening programs. Governments actively invite women to participate, covering the costs through the healthcare system. However, Olfat-Bakhsh noted, “In Iran, no systematic national breast cancer screening program currently exists. Implementation of such campaigns depends on national health policies.”
The Need for a National Cancer Prevention and Control Network
Establishing a National Cancer Prevention and Control Network in Iran could potentially enable regular nationwide screening. Olfat-Bakhsh emphasized the need for robust infrastructure, trained personnel, and cost-effectiveness within the healthcare system.
From Self-Examination to Awareness
Olfat-Bakhsh discussed the evolution of breast health recommendations, stating that while there was a strong emphasis on monthly breast self-examinations seven to eight years ago, studies indicated that this method had limited impact on early-stage diagnosis. The current focus is now on awareness and self-attention, encouraging women to pay attention to changes in their breast tissue and seek medical consultation promptly.
“Awareness is more valuable and effective than routine self-examination,” she concluded, highlighting the importance of staying informed about one’s own health.
