Breast Cancer in Iraq: A Review

Abstract

  Globally, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, comprising 23% of the 1.1 million female cancers that are newly diagnosed each year. In Iraq, breast cancer is the commonest type of female malignancy, ac- counting for approximately one-third of the registered female cancers according to the latest Iraqi Cancer Registry [4]. This shows that the breast is the leading cancer site among the Iraqi population in general, surpassing even bronchogenic cancer. As proposed by the World Health Organization, early detection and screening, especially when combined with adequate therapy, offers the most immediate hope for a reduction in breast cancer mortality. The incidence of breast cancer increased in Iraq in recent years, indication a significant health problem. Actions are needed on the national level for better estimate of the problem.