According to official statistics from Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education, eight Iranian women lose their lives to breast cancer every day.
This type of cancer can be detected and treated through simple self-examination and self-care practices. According to specialist physicians, when cancerous masses are detected at an early stage, 95 percent of breast tumors can be treated with medication and minor surgical procedures, without damage to the breast.
This highlights the vital importance of early detection.
Before introducing the equipment available in Omid Hospital’s Mammography Department, let us review several important and thought-provoking points.
- All women over the age of 40 should consult a specialist physician and undergo mammography screening.
- There are simple methods for breast self-examination and checking breast health after the menstrual period. All women should learn and regularly perform these examinations.
- Many women who consult a physician at an advanced stage of the disease have felt embarrassed to use the word “breast” when describing their symptoms. Due to this misconception, they may avoid examination and unintentionally make diagnosis more difficult for their physician.
- Many women closely associate their identity with their bodies and may perceive breast disease as a threat to their femininity. This can delay accepting the condition, informing family members, consulting a physician, and beginning treatment.
The Embassy of Japan: Supporting Omid in Expanding Breast Cancer Diagnostic Infrastructure
It may be interesting to know that Japan has one of the world’s largest populations affected by various types of cancer. However, remarkably, it also has one of the lowest cancer mortality rates worldwide. The principal reason for this is the timely detection of cancer and the rapid initiation of treatment.
As part of its efforts to strengthen cancer diagnostic infrastructure in developing countries, the Embassy of Japan in Iran donated an advanced Fuji mammography system to Omid Specialized and Subspecialized Hospital.
This system is one of the most advanced digital mammography devices available in Iran. Since 2023, it has operated continuously, helping save the lives of many women across the country and West Azerbaijan Province through the early detection of cancerous masses. Ultrasound as the first step and diagnostic mammography as the second are two essential links in the breast cancer diagnosis and treatment pathway.
Breast Surgery Using a Gamma Probe at Omid Hospital
Another important and practical facility used in breast cancer treatment at Omid Hospital is the gamma probe system available in the hospital’s operating rooms.
Using the gamma probe, surgeons can accurately locate cancerous masses within the breast and remove them without damaging the underarm area.