Over 9,000 people diagnosed for cancer in Kurdistan Region in 2023, says health ministry

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Region health authorities recorded over 9,000 cases of cancer in 2023, marking an increase in figures compared to the previous year.

A total of 5,456 cases of cancer have been recorded in Erbil alone during the same period, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Minister of Health Saman Barzinji said on Sunday at an event held to mark World Cancer Day. More than 3,200 people were diagnosed with cancer in Sulaimani while the figures for the disease in Duhok stood at 1180 cases.

Iraq’s Kurdish region in 2022 recorded 9061 cases, per official figures.

The health minister said 147 children were diagnosed with cancer in 2023 in Erbil while 203 other cases were recorded in Sulaimani. Duhok had only 69 cases of cancer among children.

World Cancer Day is held annually on Feb. 4 worldwide to raise awareness of the disease and ways to prevent and treat the disease. The theme of this year is, “Together, we challenge those in power”, urging world leaders and decision-makers to accelerate efforts to close the gap in cancer care and prevention.

The KRG and South Korean development agency, known as KOICA, have recently inked a memorandum of understanding in cancer treatment and diagnosis. Minister Barzinji on Sunday officially announced the campaign.

Read More: KRG, KOICA ink deal on cancer diagnosis

Prime Minister Barzani in November 2023 laid the foundation stone of a $12 million-worth radiotherapy center for cancer patients in Duhok province in a bid to bolster treatment for the disease.