Epidemiology and trend of common cancers in Iran (2004-2008).

Abstract

Cancer is one of the most important causes of mortality worldwide. It includes approximately 13% of death cases. This study aimed to investigate the incidence trend of common cancers in Iran during 2004-2008 to improve reporting distribution the disease. This was a retrospective study. The study population was all cases of cancer diagnosed in Iran during 2004-2008. The crude incidence rate of cancers was calculated per 100000 people by age groups and sex. Age-standardised incidence rates (ASRs) were calculated using direct standardisation and the world standard population. Data were analysed using SPSS (version 17) and Microsoft Office Excel 2007. In this study, a total of 301055 cases of cancer were diagnosed. ASRs were 60.51 and 84.51 in women and men respectively. Most common cancers in men were skin (ASR=18.85), stomach (15.02), bladder (ASR=11.25), prostate (ASR=8.93) and colorectal (ASR=8.29). Most common cancers in women were breast (ASR=18.24), skin (ASR=12.01), colorectal (ASR=7.75), stomach (ASR=7.05) and haematocyte (ASR=4.01). A significant increase was observed in the incidence of cancers in the country. Therefore, it is necessary to perform screening, early diagnosis and treatment in early stages of cancers.