WANA (Nov 20) – At the 24th National Congress of Medical Oncology and Hematology in Iran, Ardeshir Ghavami-Zadeh, Secretary of the Congress, announced that the survival rate of cancer patients in Iran has reached 70% over the past 20 years, attributing this improvement to advances in early screening and timely diagnosis.

 

Ghavami-Zadeh highlighted lifestyle factors such as sugar consumption, alcohol, and smoking as additional cancer risks, while emphasizing that regular physical activity and a diet rich in vegetables can help prevent many types of cancer.

 

He called for the establishment of cell therapy and gene therapy centers in Yazd, noting that cell therapy plays a crucial role in cancer treatment, has no adverse effects on patients, and can reduce the financial burden of cancer medications.

 

Known as the father of oncology and bone marrow transplantation in Iran, Ghavami-Zadeh stated that currently 500 hematology and oncology specialists are active in the country, marking a major revolution in this medical field.

 

He added that medical services in Iran are favorable compared to many other countries and that oncology has made remarkable and unprecedented progress in recent years.

 

Mohammad Farat Yazdi, the Congress Executive Secretary, reported that 54 successful bone marrow transplants have been performed in Yazd to date.

 

He reiterated that the 70% cancer survival rate is the result of advancements in early detection and timely treatment.

 

The 24th National Congress of Medical Oncology and Hematology of Iran is being held from November 19–21 at the Sib o Nar Hotel in Yazd.