Document Type : Review Article
Authors
1
Medical Oncologist, Hematologist, and Stem Cell Transplantation Specialist, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Imam Reza Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
2
Department of Neurosurgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3
PhD in Health Education and Health Promotion, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.
10.22034/hp.2025.568650.1081
Abstract
Background: Cancer burden in Iran has risen sharply over two decades due to aging, lifestyle changes, and environmental risks. This narrative review describes incidence and mortality patterns of common cancers in Iran, compares them with global data, and explores epidemiological differences for policymaking.
Materials and Methods: This narrative review included Persian/English studies up to September 2025 and official sources. Two independent reviewers searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, SID, MagIran, CIVILICA, and Google Scholar. INCR (Iran National Cancer Registry), GLOBOCAN, GBD (Global Burden of Disease), and WHO (World Health Organization) provided key epidemiological data for Iran-global comparisons.
Results: In 2022, Iran reported 137,198 new cancer cases with an age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) of 149 per 100,000, projected to reach ~160,000 cases by 2025. Among men, prostate, stomach, and colorectal cancers predominated; among women, breast, colorectal, and thyroid cancers led (male: female ratio 1.34:1). Iran's ASRs for breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers remained below global averages, while male stomach cancer incidence was nearly double the global mean. Temporal trends revealed sharp increases in prostate, colorectal, and female breast cancers, with Iran's overall cancer burden projected to grow at twice the global rate by 2040. Notable regional disparities existed, particularly stomach cancer (northern Iran 2.64× southern rates). Age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) was 96.5/100,000 in Iran versus 91.7 globally. Cancer ranks as the third leading cause of death in Iran (second worldwide).
Conclusion: Despite lower age-standardized incidence than global averages, Iran's rapidly rising cancer burden—especially lifestyle-related cancers—projects doubling by 2040. High male stomach cancer rates and regional/gender disparities underscore urgent needs for strengthened registries, expanded prevention/screening, and improved nationwide diagnostic/treatment services.
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