70,000 are added to cancer patients in Iran annually

TEHRAN, April 9 (MNA) - Every year an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 people are added to the population of cancer patients in Iran, Dr. Nematollah Rostami told. Rostami said a hematology and oncology congress will be held from April 25 to 28 in Tehran to discuss the latest progresses in treating cancer-related diseases. Cancer specialists, including 20 foreign experts, will participate in the congress, he said. He went on to say that in addition to cancer experts, health officials would also participate in the conference in order to take practical steps for treating cancer diseases. He said unfortunately cancer diseases are progressing at an alarming rate in Iran so that two third of diseases are untreatable as they are diagnosed late. In developed countries most of cancer-related diseases are diagnosed in initial stages and treated in due time, while in Iran these diseases are diagnosed while a high costs is imposed on the patient, Rostami added. Rostami said that the treatment of cancer requires public education and team work by specialists. He also said an exhibition of foreign and domestically-produced drugs and medical equipment would be put on display on the sidelines of the congress.