Prostate Cancer in Iraq: A Comprehensive Literature Review of Epidemiology, Clinical Landscape, Challenges, and Public Health Strategies

Abstract

Prostate cancer in Iraq is an escalating public health concern, with incidence rates significantly increasing over the past two decades. Although Iraq’s stated incidence is lower than worldwide and regional averages, the abnormally high mortality-to-incidence ratio (Middle East’s MIR of 12.35 vs. Europe’s 3.00) suggests considerable underdiagnosis and late-stage presentation. This literature review was conducted through a systematic search of Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and regional journals (2000–2025), by searching the terms such as “Iraq,” “prostate cancer,” “risk factors,” “screening,” “epidemiology,” and “treatment” to identify the original studies, reviews, and official reports concerning Iraqi populations. The majority of patients are diagnosed at advanced stages (Stage III or IV) due to a lack of awareness, inadequate screening, and shortcomings in healthcare infrastructure, leading to delayed discovery. Regional hotspots such as Karbala and Baghdad have heightened prevalence, possibly due to environmental exposures and lifestyle variables, including smoking. Genetic variants (e.g., CYP1A1, GSTM1) correlate with increased risk, indicating specific regional susceptibilities. Despite governmental claims of free cancer treatment, many patients experience considerable financial hardship, often seeking costly therapy abroad. Public awareness is insufficient, and physician training in screening is lacking. Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy are treatment choices, although they aren’t always easy to get. To turn things around, we need to make cancer registries stronger, make it easier to find cancer early, and improve public education and healthcare infrastructure. Comprehensive national strategies are crucial to address these systemic deficiencies and mitigate the rising incidence of prostate cancer in Iraq.