Early Detection of Breast Cancer Gains Ground in Iran

Iran’s National Research Institute of Cancer (affiliated with Jahad-e Daneshgahi) says three decades of effort have culminated in broad early-detection capacity for breast cancer shifting care from late presentation to timely treatment and improved survival. At a press briefing for the 7th national “Mo‘tamed: Early Detection, Successful Treatment” campaign, Zahra Sheikhi, the institute’s vice president for research, noted that more than 70% of patients previously arrived at advanced stages, but systematic screening and patient support are now changing that pattern.

She highlighted current epidemiology: breast cancer is Iran’s most common malignancy, accounting for ~12.9% of all new cancers and about a quarter of female cancers, and is the second leading cause of cancer death among women (fifth across the total population). Incidence is highest in ages 40–49. Official figures from 2022–2023 recorded about 15,700 new female cases an incidence of 37 per 100,000 among ~42 million women. Rates cluster geographically, peaking around 72 per 100,000 in central provinces and lower in the southeast. Projections suggest incidence could exceed 70 per 100,000 by 2030, and overall cancer cases may rise 1.5× over the next 15 years.

According to Sheikhi, the institute now accompanies patients from diagnosis onward with multidisciplinary teams including weekly psychological support and peer groups and is building a nationwide prevention and screening network. She called for stronger government and parliamentary backing to scale education on healthy lifestyles, expand screening, and ensure timely, evidence-based treatment across the country.