National Cancer Institute: Pioneering Innovations for Enhanced Public Health
The Motamed Cancer Institute has recently been elevated to the status of the Iranian National Cancer Institute, marking a significant milestone in cancer research and public health improvement in Iran. This transition reflects the institute’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of society through innovative solutions and advanced cancer care.
During a press conference on October 13, coinciding with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, key representatives from the institute announced the launch of the 7th Nationwide Campaign on Screening for Common Cancers in Women. The event featured prominent figures including Dr. Zahra Sheikhi, Deputy for Research and Technology of the Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), and Dr. Ramin Sarrami Foroushani, President of the Motamed Cancer Research Institute.
Dr. Sarrami-Foroushani emphasized the importance of this elevation, stating that this achievement is the culmination of three decades of dedicated work by ACECR scientists and researchers. He noted that the center’s new structure comprises:
- Research Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Advanced Cancer Therapies
- Research Institute for Converging Technologies in Cancer
- Research Institute for Personalized Medicine and Quality of Life
Overall, the National Cancer Research Institute will include around 10 specialized research departments aimed at developing innovative technologies in cancer care. Dr. Sarrami-Foroushani expressed optimism that with ongoing support from national authorities, the institute would emerge as a leading hub for cancer research in Iran.
Cancer Innovation Tower Project
In addition to the elevation announcement, Dr. Sarrami-Foroushani disclosed plans for a new 15-storey cancer innovation tower in Tehran, designed to support advanced therapy ecosystems. This project has garnered strong backing from the Iranian Parliament, particularly the Health Commission, as well as the Plan and Budget Organization and the Vice-Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy.
Funding for the project has already been secured, and the upper levels of the tower will focus on producing innovative technologies for advanced cancer treatments. Dr. Sarrami-Foroushani maintained that while technological progress is crucial, preserving ACECR’s cultural identity remains a core value. He stated, “While focusing on innovation, we continue to embed cultural principles in all our scientific and health-related initiatives.”
National Program for Early Cancer Detection
The institute is also moving forward with a national program aimed at early cancer detection, leveraging nearly 30 years of experience in cancer screening and diagnosis. Dr. Sarrami-Foroushani reflected on the institute’s beginnings as a small clinic on Shahid Nazari Street, at a time when early detection was not widely understood or implemented in Iran.
Today, the institute’s mission has expanded into a comprehensive, nationwide program in collaboration with ACECR’s research, healthcare, and cultural divisions. The establishment of the National Cancer Research Institute represents a significant transformation from a small clinic to a leading scientific and technological center focused on public health improvement.
As part of its initiatives, the institute announced the launch of the National Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, coinciding with Global Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This campaign will operate across three primary areas:
- Promotion
- Education
- Treatment
Through this campaign, the Motamed Cancer Institute aims to provide tangible and accessible health services to the public. Activities will include:
- Citywide symbolic events
- Educational workshops for healthcare professionals
- Free screening and treatment services for diagnosed patients
Dr. Sarrami-Foroushani highlighted the critical importance of early detection, noting that breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide. He stated that early detection significantly improves survival rates and reduces treatment costs. However, he pointed out that the average tumor size at diagnosis in Iran is approximately 32 mm, compared to the global average of 8 mm, which underscores the urgent need for enhanced early detection strategies.
In conclusion, Dr. Sarrami-Foroushani expressed his gratitude to all researchers, clinicians, cultural experts, and volunteers involved in the nationwide campaign. He emphasized that supporting women through education and early detection ultimately strengthens families and society as a whole.
