The incidence rate of cancer peaked to 14 million in 2012 from 10 million in 2000, and it is estimated to increase to 25 million by 2030, said Iraj Harirchi, the spokesperson for the Health Ministry. “In Iran, over 92,000 people develop cancer every year,” he said at the first West Asia Cancer Conference on Thursday, IRNA reported. The government spends 15 trillion rials ($415 million) annually on cancer medicines, which is 15% of the entire amount spent on subsidizing or insuring medications in the country, he added. The conference, held at Tehran’s Espinas Palace Hotel and attended by specialists and guests from 16 countries including Germany, Switzerland, the US, Turkey, Russia, the Netherlands and India, concludes November 19.
