Iraq Contributors: Zhianawa Cancer Center; Iraqi Cancer Board (Ministry of Health of Iraq) National Cancer Research Centre (Baghdad University)
WHO cancer country profile 2014
Link to profile
Mortality (male)
Mortality (female)
Cancer plan
Cancer registry
HBV vaccination
HPV vaccination
8,300
9,000
Yes
Hospital-based
66%
No data
Breast screening
Cervical screening
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Oral morphine
Generally available at public primary healthcare level (clinical breast exam only)
Not generally available at public primary healthcare level
Generally available in the public health system
Generally available in the public health system
Not generally available in the public health system
WHO NCD progress monitor 2015 Risk factor survey
NCD action plan
Tobacco taxation
Link to monitor
Smoke-free policies
Progress against the World Cancer Declaration targets Iraq has made significant progress in a number of key areas including: • Implementation of comprehensive tobacco control legislation1 in accordance with the WHO MPOWER tool, and the existence of national regulations on the prohibition of commercials and public availability of alcohol • Launch of national public mobilisation campaigns on tobacco control, the promotion of physical activity and healthy diet. Anthropometric measurements and obesity screening have also been introduced in schools • Implementation of the WHO STEPwise surveillance survey on NCD risk factors • Development of a population-based cancer registry2 • Reduction of stigma and myths around breast cancer through public health awareness campaigns on risk factors, including in rural areas • Implementation of population-based breast cancer screening programmes, which are supported by research programmes3 • Improved access to accurate diagnosis and multimodal treatment of cancer, with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal treatment now offered free of charge. Almost 80% of the requested treatment protocols are now covered, and waiting lists for radiotherapy in different cancer centres have been shortened • In collaboration with the WHO, the provision of training opportunities to build the capacity of healthcare professionals. World Cancer Declaration Progress Report 2016
Tobacco health warnings
Alcohol availability regulations
Alcohol advertising bans
Alcohol pricing policies
Public awareness on diet/physical activity
Key successes
Key challenges
In 2001, the National Programme for Early Detection of Breast Cancer was established in four specialised referral training centres in Baghdad, Basrah and Mosul, and 16 specialised clinics for the early detection of breast cancer were set up in the major hospitals of each governorate. The main objectives of the programme are to downstage breast cancer at the time of presentation to reduce morbidity and mortality from the disease, and promote public awareness of risk factors, signs, symptoms, and screening tools for breast cancer.
Action is still required to:
In 2009, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research organised a national breast cancer research programme to further support this work. Under the supervision of the IARC Screening Unit, the National Cancer Research Centre of Baghdad University developed a comprehensive database for Iraqi patients diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2012, WHO/EMRO suggesting using that model to compare the demographic characteristics, clinico-pathological presentations and management outcomes among patients affected with the disease in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, which led to the establishment of a Regional Comparative Breast Cancer Research Project4. An online information system has been now been established to collect data systematically from patients at targeted breast cancer facilities in eight countries5. Finally, between 2012 and 2016, specialised training programmes have been established in medical oncology, radiation oncology and palliative care services in Baghdad and Kurdistan.
NCD management guidelines
• Strengthen surveillance systems to monitor and evaluate the impact of Iraq’s national cancer control programmes • Appropriate palliative care services to control pain and distress • Establish comprehensive of comprehensive cancer centres • Ensure the availability of qualified postgraduates in cancer specialties, such as radiation oncology.
UICC Member’s achievements The Zhianawa Cancer Center (ZCC) is a public, tertiary cancer care facility specialising in radiotherapy. ZCC was opened in March 2009 and provides care for cancer patients from all regions of Kurdistan and Iraq free-ofcharge. ZCC is equipped with two modern linear accelerators and one high-dose-rate brachytherapy suite. ZCC is accredited by the Kurdistan Board for Medical Specialties as well as the University of Sulaimani as a training centre for radiation oncology and medical physics. ZCC also launched a multi-disciplinary oncology teaching course series in February 2015 and hosted the ‘Best of ASTRO’ meeting in December 2015, in collaboration with many international experts. Footnotes: 1. apps.who.int/fctc/implementation/news/news_ira/en/index.html 2. Iraqi Cancer Board. Results of the Iraqi Cancer Registry 2012. Baghdad, Iraq, Iraqi Cancer Registry Center, Ministry of Health, 2015 3. Alwan, NAS: Breast Cancer Among Iraqi Women: Preliminary Findings From a Regional Comparative Breast Cancer Research Projec. Journal of Global Oncology, 2016; 2 (1), 1-4) 4. Alwan NA: Iraqi Initiative of a Regional Comparative Breast Cancer Research Project in the Middle East. Journal of Cancer Biology & Research, 2014; 2 (1): 1016-20 5. Alwan, NAS: Breast Cancer Among Iraqi Women: Preliminary Findings From a Regional Comparative Breast Cancer Research Project. Journal of Global Oncology, 2016; 2 (1), 1-4)
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