A Scoping Review of 20 Years Breast Cancer Screening Programs in Iran

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cancer among women globally. Early detection through screening is vital for reducing mortality, complementing advancements in treatment. Methods: We aimed to overview BC screening practices in Iran over two-decades to inform policymakers for future research directions and prompt timely diagnoses. A scoping review was conducted on BC studies in Iran from 2000 to 2023, following PRISMA guidelines. Results: We analyzed 129 articles on BC in Iranian women, and finding six main areas. Conclusion: Iran's health system lacks an organized BC screening initiative, facing challenges like inadequate infrastructure, sociocultural barriers, unintegrated health insurance packages, and limited research on key indicators.