Breast Cancer Rate Alarming

Lack of awareness and late diagnosis has led to the high prevalence of breast cancer among Iranian women, especially in those under the age of 40.

Mohammad Hadizadeh, director of the Breast Cancer Prevention Institute, said that Iran is lagging behind developed countries by 35% in early detection of the cancer, IANA reported.

“Breast cancer constitutes 10% of all cancers in Iran and there are 60,000 women battling the disease,” he said.

Despite its high prevalence, it is the only cancer that can be completely cured only as long as it is diagnosed early, Hadizadeh added.

“Lumps can be completely destroyed when they are smaller than 10 centimeters in diameter,” he said.

The BCPI has devised comprehensive plans for high-risk groups to help reduce the impact of the disease and increase patients’ lifespan. The institute is pinning hopes on midwifery graduates to help raise awareness among women.

Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in women, and the second main cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.

Awareness of the symptoms and the need for screening are important ways of reducing the risk.

Risk factors for developing breast cancer include being female, family history, older age, early age at first menstruation, late menopause and hormonal changes during pregnancy, obesity, lack of physical exercise, alcohol consumption, hormone replacement therapy during menopause, ionizing radiation, and having children late or not at all. A healthy diet and lifestyle can help reduce the risks to a great degree.