Stomach cancer one of the deadliest diseases: Official

Tehran, Nov 17, IRNA - Iran's Health Minister Hassan Qazizadeh Hashemi described stomach cancer as one of the deadliest diseases in Iran and more common among men. Expressing his condolences to the nation over the death of pop star Morteza Pashaei, 30, who died of stomach cancer, Hashemi noted that “cancer is a bitter reality, which is rising because of growing urbanization. However, he added, cancer incidence rate is five times lower in Iran compared to European countries,” he said The minister said cancer does not occur suddenly, as its symptoms may take years to manifest. Hashemi urged people to undergo annual examinations to detect the disease before it becomes too late. “Poor physical activity, unhealthy eating and pollution could play a role in causing cancers,” he said. “We are making efforts to reduce the country’s cancer rate as well as the cost of treatment.” Hashemi said that as a first step, Iran will establish special centers where patients could buy inexpensive medicines. Stomach cancers are the fourth most common cancer worldwide. Pashaei lost the battle to cancer in Tehran on Friday after months of fighting the disease./end