The Role of Cancer Charities in Breast Cancer Prevention in Iran

Azin Nahvijou; Mohammad Ali Mohagheghi; Massoumeh Guiti; Afssoun  Mahouri; Nafisseh Fathnia Tabari; Fatemeh Raesspour; Roghayeh Abedi; Azin Rabiean; Fatemeh Khaleghi; Leili Rezaei; Rana Barazandeh; Mirhojat Mousavinezhad; Ali Akbar Khazen; Parisa Ahmadian; Kazem Zendehdel

doi:10.18502/bccr.v12i4.7984

Azin Nahvijou Cancer Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Ali Mohagheghi Cancer Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Massoumeh Guiti Breast Diseases Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Afssoun Mahouri Society for Helping Cancer Patients, Babol, Mazandaran, Iran
Nafisseh Fathnia Tabari Society for Helping Cancer Patients, Babol, Mazandaran, Iran
Fatemeh Raesspour Society for Helping Cancer Patients, Babol, Mazandaran, Iran
Roghayeh Abedi Society for Helping Cancer Patients, Babol, Mazandaran, Iran
Azin Rabiean Society for Helping Cancer Patients, Babol, Mazandaran, Iran
Fatemeh Khaleghi Nastaran Center for Cancer Prevention, Mashhad, Khorassan Razavi, Iran
Leili Rezaei Behnam Daheshpour Charity, Tehran, Iran
Rana Barazandeh Shams Charity, Tehran, Iran
Mirhojat Mousavinezhad Department of Sports Sciences, Khoy Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khoy, Iran
Ali Akbar Khazen Pejvaktaher Association, Tabriz, East Azarbaijan, Iran
Parisa Ahmadian Pejvaktaher Association, Tabriz, East Azarbaijan, Iran
Kazem Zendehdel Cancer Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/bccr.v12i4.7984

Keywords: Cancer Control Program, Prevention, Breast Cancer, Charity, Screening, Iran

Abstract

Background: Cancer is a significant public health problem, and its burden is increasing globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Cancer charities, alongside the government, could address health issues based on their goals. We studied the activities of cancer charities related to breast cancer (BC) prevention in Iran.

Methods: We designed a situational analysis study. We abstracted the cancer charities’ objectives that were members of the “Iran Cancer National Network of NGOs and Charities (IRCNNC).” We also searched for their international activities. We reviewed the BC prevention programs conducted by Iranian cancer charities and collected their data and information regarding BC awareness and screening.

Results: Overall, 43 charities were an active member of the IRCNNC and were engaged in 6 areas, including 1) financial and non-financial supports, 2) providing medical services, 3) providing accommodation to companions of the patients traveling from other cities, 4) supplying infrastructure and medical equipment to cancer hospitals, 5) conducting scientific and research activities, and 6) running educational and awareness campaigns. Most actions were on financial and non-financial supports. Seven charities are a member of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). Five charities reported their movement on BC prevention.

Conclusion: Most charities did not document their prevention programs and did not follow an organized screening program. Training and capacity building is needed to support the cancer charities for the evidence-based cancer prevention program.