Tehran – Emphasizing the fact that the path to women’s health begins with awareness and self-care, the Deputy Health Minister emphasized that breast cancer prevention will begin at home and continue at medical centres.
Breast cancer is not just an explanation of the number of deaths caused by illness. It is a story of the heavy burdens borne by women, families and society, and the Ministry of Health quotes Alileza Reisi as saying.
Officials made their remarks during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is observed annually from October 1st to 31st.
He pointed out that women’s awareness and self-care, outstanding physical changes and regular screening can save thousands of lives.
Self-care doesn’t just mean self-examinations and paying attention to symptoms. It means recognition, informed decisions at the right time, and proper use of your health system. It’s an asset. Once permeated into society, self-awareness makes each individual his or her primary physician, and family physicians can lead and complement this asset. In fact, family physicians and referral systems are loops that turn individual perceptions into collective behavior, and even the highest level of health literacy may not be effective, the formula further pointed out.
Family physicians and referral systems are the main pillars of prevention and diagnosis in the country, so Iranian women do not wander around hospitals or clinics due to simple concerns.
Your family physician team doesn’t just provide medical services. They are permanent companions of the family, pursuing family health from everyday life issues to the most specialized cases, and referral systems are the bridge to ensure symptoms are not ignored, and there is no late diagnosis of health concerns, Raeisi said.
Breast cancer prevention is more than just a prescription for women. It is a message to society as a whole. The formula emphasized that a society that values prevention has a healthier, fairer, and less expensive future.
Officials highlighted social and economic factors affecting health, saying that health recommendations would be more effective with access to quality services and health durability, as well as socioeconomic support.
Breast cancer is the most common silent cancer among women, and the way patients treat their patients plays an important role in the treatment process.
According to Nahid Nafissi, every 40 minutes, Iranian women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and this number is expected to double by 2030.
Genetic factors can account for 15% of breast cancer in women, but unhealthy lifestyle, fast food consumption, physical inactivity, and late childbirth are one of the main factors that contribute to the development of the disease.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, raising awareness, respecting the lives of millions affected by breast cancer, and reaffirming our global commitment to improving equitable access to care for all and improving survival. This year, it has been observed with the theme “Every story is unique and every journey is important.”
All breast cancer diagnosis is personal. Behind every diagnosis is a story of courage, resilience and hope. This theme reminds us that breast cancer touches differently the lives of women and their families around the world, and that every journey deserves compassion, dignity and support. This year’s theme recognises the diversity of experience and strengthens the need for caring, timely and quality care for everyone, regardless of geography, income, or background.
The goal for Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025 is to highlight the importance of timely diagnosis related to health promotion, early detection and comprehensive treatment.
It also aims to promote multi-sector partnerships by co-creating and amplifying impacts on stakeholders and promoting equitable access to quality care.
Iranian breast cancer
Based on a survey conducted over the past 30 years, breast cancer is the largest prevalence among women in Iran, with 12% accounting for 26% of cancer in women.
In Iran, breast cancer is the second cause of death in women. This is because about 30% of patients die as much as the global average each year.
With the support of the World Health Organization, the National Cancer Management Program was developed. As a result, the Ministry of Health’s roadmap has set the roadmap for 1404 (March to March 2025).
The purpose of this program is to reduce cancer prevalence and mortality while improving the quality of life of patients. This could serve as a model for other countries, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
The program includes two important documents: “Developing the National Cancer Care Network” and “Developing Cancer Human Resources,” which resulted in the establishment of an early diagnostic centre.
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