Cancer Awareness Week: “No One is Alone” Campaign Launched

Shahrood University of Medical Sciences Kicks Off National Cancer Awareness Week: “No One is Alone” Campaign Launched

Shahrood, Iran – The National Week of Combatting Cancer commenced on February 4th, marked by a strong commitment to prevention and public engagement, as announced by Dr. Ali Akbar Roodbari, Deputy of Health at Shahrood University of Medical Sciences (SHMU). The campaign, running through February 10th (4–10 Bahman), operates under the unifying national and global slogan: “No one is alone; together against cancer, from prevention to treatment and palliation.”

In a statement released to the Public Relations Management, Dr. Roodbari stressed the importance of this annual observance. “This week provides an invaluable platform to synchronize our efforts with national and international objectives, enabling us to implement effective measures for primary cancer prevention and significantly boost general health literacy,” he noted.

Early Detection: The Key to Control

Highlighting the sobering statistics of cancer, the Deputy stated that while thousands of cases are diagnosed annually in Iran and millions globally, the prognosis drastically improves with timely intervention. “When cancer is detected in its initial, localized stages, treatment becomes significantly more manageable, and the potential for complete remission is vastly increased,” Dr. Roodbari asserted.

He attributed the rise in cancer incidence both domestically and internationally to critical shifts in modern living, including heightened tobacco use, increased consumption of high-fat, high-calorie diets, sedentary lifestyles, and compounding environmental factors such as greater reliance on fossil fuels.

Targeted Screening Programs Underway

In alignment with the National Cancer Management Program, SHMU is prioritizing the early identification of three major cancer types. Dr. Roodbari outlined the specific focus groups for enhanced screening:

• Colorectal Cancer: Men and women aged 50 to 69.
• Breast Cancer: Women aged 30 to 69.
• Cervical Cancer: Women aged 30 to 59.

Individuals falling into these demographic groups are being systematically invited for evaluation. Those exhibiting any suspicious signs or symptoms following initial screening are immediately referred to specialized, second-level diagnostic services for comprehensive review.

The Deputy concluded by reiterating the week’s core objective: “Through robust educational initiatives, widespread screening, and early detection efforts, we aim to empower individuals, families, and the community by emphasizing cancer’s preventability and correcting any prevailing misconceptions. This is our dedicated opportunity to make substantial progress in controlling the impact of this critical disease.”