Zistboom:The dramatic rise in prevalence of cancers in Iran is not normal, said a member of board of directors of Iranian Society of General Surgeons.Dr. BehzadRahmani said various factors have caused the problem. The rise in life expectancy that helps develop cancer in the elderly in Iran is among the main factors, Mehr News Agency reported.
In the past, only the number of stomach and gullet cancers was relatively high in Iran, he recalled, regretting that other types of cancer is now on the rise in the country.
Referring to the sharp rise in breast cancer, he said the age of women suffering from the disease has drastically decreased.
That is the case regarding other cancers, said Rahmani, examplifying the patients diagnosed with large intestine cancers in Iran were previously older than 50 years, but the disease has recently been detected in a number of under-25 people.
"Stress is among the most indentified causes of cancer in Iran which helps weaken the immune and defense system.
He also referred to impacts of environmental factors on increasing cancers and said role of air pollution in the prevalence of lung cancer in Tehran cannot be ignored.
Pointing to the high number of cancers caused by asbestos in Tehran, Rahmani said low quality gasoline and diesel is partially responsible for increasing risk of lung cancer.
Asbestos cancer is a rare type that affects the pleural lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen.
Reza Malakzadeh, Irans deputy minister of health, said in Dec. the number of Iranians afflicted with cancer averages 100 in 100,000.
He, however, said it is wrong to assume that Iran is on the verge of cancer tsunami.
The types of cancer prevalent in Iran differ from those found in other countries, noted the official.
Based on World Health Organization figures, the number of Iranians suffering from cancers is the same as the world average or even less when compared to those in some American and European countries, he pointed out.
By Zistboom
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