Health Ministry Launches Comprehensive Cancer Screening Initiative to Boost Early Detection
Health Ministry Launches Comprehensive Cancer Screening Initiative to Boost Early Detection
TEHRAN – In a significant public health initiative, the Iranian health ministry is set to launch a comprehensive screening program aimed at the early detection of the three most prevalent, preventable cancers: breast, cervical, and colon cancer. This proactive program will be piloted in the provinces of Qom, Isfahan, and Mazandaran, integrated within the framework of the family physician program.
The screening initiative targets individuals aged between 30 and 70 years, with some cases extending to those aged 40 to 75, as reported by Jafar Jandaqi, a health ministry official. This expansive screening approach aims to identify cancers in their early stages, ultimately leading to better treatment outcomes and improved patient life expectancy.
Jandaqi elaborated that both early and advanced testing options for breast, cervical, and colon cancers will be available under this program. Following an initial six to seven months of implementation, the health ministry plans to expand the program nationwide.
Key points regarding the screening program include:
- Prevention Focus: Approximately 40% of cancers can be prevented, and early detection through screening significantly increases the likelihood of successful treatment.
- Comprehensive Approach: Unlike other countries that focus on high-risk groups, Iran’s health ministry aims to provide screening across all age groups, ensuring continuous monitoring from birth to the end of life.
- Service Packages: The screening program will encompass a range of services, including prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation options.
- Modern Technology: The health ministry plans to utilize cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence to enhance diagnosis and service delivery.
According to the health ministry, cancers are a leading cause of premature mortality in Iran, contributing to over 55,000 deaths annually. Notably, around 34,000 of these deaths occur among those under 70 years of age, and 11,000 among those under 50.
The most recent national cancer census indicates that the number of new cancer cases in Iran could rise to 160,000 by the Iranian calendar year 1404 (March 2025-March 2026), representing a staggering 43% increase. The ten most prevalent cancers in Iran include:
- Breast Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Uterine Cancer
- Brain Cancer
- Spinal Cancer
For Iranian women, the most common cancers are breast, colon, thyroid, stomach, uterine, leukemia, ovarian, brain, spinal, and esophageal cancers. Currently, around 250,000 Iranians are living with cancer.
Recent Achievements in Cancer Treatment
In a groundbreaking development, Iran has launched its first national production line for electroporation systems, becoming the first country in Asia to obtain this advanced cancer treatment technology. The inauguration of the Iranian-made device took place at the University of Tehran, as reported by IRNA.
The electrochemotherapy ablation system represents a significant milestone, relying primarily on domestic technical expertise while adhering to global standards. This electroporation system employs electrical pulses to increase the permeability of cancer cells, thus enhancing the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs.
In a remarkable advancement, an Iranian knowledge-based company has developed a new synthesis method for Technetium (99mTc) tilmanocept, a radiopharmaceutical diagnostic imaging agent essential for identifying lymph nodes potentially affected by tumors. Previously, since 2013, the U.S. was the sole manufacturer of this radiopharmaceutical agent.
The lymphatic system is crucial in cancer metastasis, and accurate detection of lymph node involvement is vital for surgical procedures in patients with breast, lung, and genital tract cancers. With this remarkable achievement, about 90% of cancer patients in the country will now have access to a more affordable and precise method for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Having successfully navigated preclinical phases, this innovative drug has now entered the clinical phase, marking a significant step forward in cancer care in Iran.
As the Iranian health ministry rolls out this comprehensive screening program, it aims not only to combat cancer effectively but also to ensure that timely interventions lead to improved health outcomes for countless individuals across the nation.
For further updates on this initiative and more health-related news, stay tuned!
