Mortality Rate and Years of Life Lost Due to Breast and Gynecologic Cancers in Southern Iran 2004-2019: A Population-Based Study

Abstract

Background: There is an increase in the incidence of breast and gynecologic cancers in Iran during the last three decades. Literature is inadequate about the Years of Life Lost (YLL) attributed to these cancers in Iran. Methods: Mortality data due to these cancers amongst females aged >20 yr from 2004 to 2019 was acquired from “Electronic Death Registry System”, Fars Province, Iran. Using local health centers’ databases and national census reports from 1996 to 2016, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) per 100,000 people were estimated. YLLs were calculated using the WHO’s 2015 “YLL template”. Results: During 2004–2019, 1886 and 829 deaths occurred due to breast and gynecologic cancers, respectively. The ASR due to breast and gynecologic cancers showed a significant increasing trend (P<0.001 for each). The total YLL due to breast, cervical/uterine/vaginal/vulvar, and ovary cancers’ deaths in the 16-year period were 33,077, 7,172 and 6,584 yr, respectively. The highest YLLs were observed in 50-59-year-old females, followed by 40-49- and 60-69-year-old females. The 16- year trend of YLL rate due to premature mortality in breast cancer, ovary cancer and cervix cancer was increasing: annual percent change (APC) was 7.6% (95% CI: 5.5-9.7, P<0.001), 19.0% (95% CI: 12.2-26.1, P<0.001) and 9.2% (95% CI: -9.2 to 31.3, P>0.05, respectively. Conclusion: Mortality rate and YLLs due to breast and gynecologic cancers have been increased in southern Iran during the last twenty years. Early detection programs and allocating treatments at early stages should be prioritized.