Early detection of cancer; the most important factor in reducing costs and increasing the chance of recovery

According to the university's public relations department, Dr. Mansoureh Fateh, director of the Department of Disease Prevention and Control at the university's Health Office, stated: "These changes usually occur in a favorable genetic context and under the influence of physical, chemical, and biological factors."

The director of the Department of Disease Prevention and Control at the university's Health Office said: "According to statistics, cancer is the second leading cause of death in Iran, after cardiovascular diseases, with 16%, and breast, colon, and prostate cancers are the most common cancers, and they impose large annual costs on the country's health and insurance systems."

He stated that infections such as HPV and hepatitis account for 30 percent of cancer cases in low- and middle-income countries, and other risk factors include smoking, alcohol, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and exposure to UV rays.

The director of the Disease Prevention and Control Group at the University's Health Office added that many cancers are completely curable if diagnosed early and treated properly, and that at least 40 percent of cancer cases are preventable with primary prevention measures, and that mortality from them is reduced with early diagnosis.

He emphasized the need to focus on prevention, saying that between 30 and 50 percent of cancers are preventable with measures such as avoiding smoking and alcohol, maintaining a normal body weight, eating a healthy diet with sufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity, vaccination, and reducing air pollution.
Dr. Fateh also emphasized the importance of early cancer diagnosis, saying that this not only reduces treatment costs, but also makes treatment simpler, less complicated, and more effective. Awareness of early signs of cancer, access to diagnostic centers, screening, and timely referral of patients are the main pillars on this path.

He stated: Strengthening health infrastructure, implementing screening programs, and increasing public awareness are the most important steps in the fight against cancer. We must try to reduce the burden of this disease in society through preventive measures and early diagnosis.

Dr. Fateh concluded by adding: Education, information, and implementation of preventive measures with inter-sectoral coordination play a significant role in the prevention and control of cancers.