Iranian Journal of Sociology

Abstract The central aim of this article is providing a social analysis of the issue of cancer in Iran. Based on the argument that medicalizing reduces the issue of cancer to a biological matter and hides the social components of the disease. This image is confused with the totality of this disease, whose analysis leads to some social structures, including economic and political relations. The authors of this research paper attempt to show the socio-economic method of health and disease and social characteristics of cancer. The research method is based on political economy perspective. This method is based on analysis of available information to bring into the light some hidden aspects of the reality of cancer. Our findings show that the risk factors for cancer are determined by economic and social factors and the distribution of resources and access to facilities for behavioral patterns of people explain their risk level. Smoking, inactivity and nutrition patterns that cause cancer risk factors correspond to the ranking of the people involved, and the socioeconomic lower groups are at a possible risk. Understanding of cancer as a social reality, directs the treatment of this disease towards political solutions in the use of resources.