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An important meeting on cancer attended by the Deputy Minister and Chairman of the International Agency in Gorgan.
 
A crucial meeting, in regards to cancer, was attended by Dr. Malekzadeh, Deputy Director of Research and Technology at the Ministry of Health; the Head of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Dr. Christopher Wilde; and Dr. Fazel, Head of Golestan University of Medical Sciences in Gorgan.
 
During the meeting, the President of the International Agency for Research on Cancer emphasized that prevention always comes prior to treatment. He stated: "40% of cancer origins are unknown, and the highest incidents of cancers are in the United States and Western Europe because of the longevity of life."
 
Dr. Christopher Wilde voiced that cancer is different for each person, and certain forms of cancer are more common in specific areas. Dr. Wilde stated: "Various types of cancer differ within various countries. Within Golestan province, cancer of the esophagus and stomach are more common; meanwhile, in Western Europe, colon cancer and prostate cancer are more common. In recent years, the rate of esophageal cancer has progressively decreased; while on the other hand, the rate of breast cancer and colon cancer is on the rise."
 
He referred to various causes of cancer and two major issues regarding cancer in Iran: "Old cancers and the development of new cancers are two major issues." In regards to causes of cancer, they can be viewed as progressive and related to the type of nutrition a body receives via "over-eating and obesity." 35% of the food Iranian people consume is extra fatty, which is one of the main causes of cancer.
 
The head of the International Agency for Research on Cancer voiced: "One of the most prominent, scientific activities of Golestan Cancer Research Center can be embarking on a great step forward towards future prevention and treatment of cancer."
 
Dr. Wilde added: "The Agency will surpass worldwide scientific and research experiments. In human resources, training, and participation in the curriculum of studies within activities offered by Golestan province, it is one of the most successful cancer research centers in Iran and the Middle East."
 
He added: "Due to an aging population, the pervasiveness of cancer throughout the world is increasing. There is also a high prevalence of cancer within Iran, with cancer more likely to occur among the elderly. The cost of the disease will put pressure on the country."
He voiced one of the main strategies the International Agency for Research on Cancer has to prevent cancer by stating: "Research and studies on cancer, in the province of Gorgan and Gonbad-e-Kavos, has been taking place for an estimated 20 years; thus, to address the root cause of cancer, allowing prevention of the illness and to find a way to treat it."
 
Dr. Gholamreza Roshandel said: "The rate of cancer has been high and should be controlled. The most important thing is to have accurate information. We need to expand on cancer research in the Golestan province. Part of this research information helps us to accurately measure the rate and causes of cancer."
 
Referring to a 10-year research project on cancer, he said: "Golestan province is the only province in Iran that has accurate statistics on the number of patients who have cancer." Golestan has a vice chairman in the International Agency for Research on Cancer. On the World Wide Information Sheet, there is also an outbreak of cancer in the Golestan province.
 
The Vice President of the Cancer Control Committee of Golestan University of Medical Sciences stated that pinpointing the cause of cancer is important, especially after discovering some of the statistical data on patients who have been diagnosed with cancer.
 
He said: "By researching genetic samples, molecular cell research could recognize the cause of cancer and take control of it: we need to take cancer samples and research them."
 
In the Golestan province, under the name of Biobank, this activity has been underway for a year. Dr. Droshsandel referred to the visit of the chairman, of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, to the province, on how to present and how to provide for the center.
 
After the approval of some standard activities, funds are being allocated to explore the causes of cancer more accurately. In the near future, Golestan province will pilot the implementation of international projects for genetic changes in various cancers. According to him, annually, 2,200 cancer patients are diagnosed in Golestan province; the most common types of cancer being of the breast, stomach, esophagus, intestine, and lungs.
 
There are about 4,500 to 5,000 cancer patients in Golestan province who continue to live. In charge of the country's cancer registration program, noting that cancer treatment facilities are not enough, he said: "There are ongoing consultations on chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
 
Dr. Roshandel emphasized that people must change their diets and increase their intake of fruits and vegetables. He added: "60% to 70% of cancer forms can possibly be prevented with the right physical activity, lack of obesity/weight control and prevention of drug abuse: these are a few things that can help reduce the chances of getting cancer."
Dr. Roshandel pointed to the role of media culture in society. He said: "People do not view research of addictions from a necessary outlook, but in medical research, this is extremely necessary.