In an effort to combat the rising cancer rates, the Health Ministry of Iran is focusing on promoting healthy diets and lifestyle habits as a means of cancer prevention. Nutrition plays a significant role in the development of various cancers, with dietary factors contributing to 10-70% of cancer cases. Ahmad Esmaeilzadeh, an official from the ministry, emphasized that dietary modifications, including the development of a healthy eating culture, are key strategies being implemented.
Key Points:
Cancer-Causing Foods: The ministry identifies several dietary factors that increase cancer risks, such as excessive sugar, fat, processed foods, and salty foods. High levels of salt consumption are notably linked to gastric cancer in Iran, where salt intake is double the global standard.
Obesity and Cancer Risk: The increasing prevalence of obesity in the country also contributes to a higher cancer risk.
Health Ministry Initiatives: Programs include reducing salt intake in both the food industry and households, and encouraging the consumption of fiber-rich foods, like whole grain or fiber-enriched bread, to reduce the incidence of cancers like colon cancer.
Dietary Guidelines: The ministry is preparing food-based dietary guidelines for both children and adults, promoting balanced diets and advising limits on salt, sugar, and fat intake to reduce cancer risks.
National Campaign to Fight Cancer:
The Health Ministry recently held a national campaign from January 20-26, 2025, to raise awareness about cancer prevention. The theme of the campaign was “Hand in Hand, Prevent and Fight Against Cancer,” focusing on educating the public about cancer risks, early diagnosis, and the importance of prevention.
Cancer Statistics and Challenges:
Cancer-Related Mortality: Cancer is a leading cause of premature mortality in Iran, with more than 55,000 deaths annually. Around 34,000 of these are from cancers among individuals under 70, and 11,000 are from cancers affecting those under 50.
Future Projections: The number of new cancer cases is expected to rise to 160,000 by 2025, marking a 43% increase.
Common Cancers: The most common cancers in Iran include breast, prostate, colon, stomach, lung, bladder, thyroid, and brain cancers. For women, breast cancer is the most prevalent, followed by colon and thyroid cancers.
Prevention and Early Detection: The campaign’s goals include:
- Raising public awareness about cancer risk factors and preventive measures.
- Promoting early detection through screening for cancers like breast and colon cancers.
- Educating the public to dispel myths about cancer, including the misconception that it is untreatable.
- Improving coordination between various departments to enhance cancer prevention and treatment.
The Health Ministry aims to reduce cancer rates through these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and timely treatment in reducing cancer-related mortality.
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