Document Type : Middle East Special Report

Authors

• Shahla Chaichian ¹
• Sorour Khateri ²
• Yousef Moradi ³
• Fatemeh Khosravi Shadmani ⁴
• Kamyar Mansori ^{5, 6}
• Zaher Khazaei ⁷
• Farhad Moradpour ⁸
• Fatemeh Varse ⁸

¹ Minimally Invasive Techniques Research Center in Women, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

² Student Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran

³ Pars Advanced and Minimally Invasive Medical Manners Research Center, Pars Hospital, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran

⁴ Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

⁵ Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran

⁶ School of Nursing and Midwifery, Islamic Azad University-Sannandaj Branch, Sanandaj, Iran

⁷ Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran

⁸ Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide and the third in Iran. Among cancers, cervical cancer is the third leading cause of death in women. Thus, recognizing the epidemiology and trends of cervical cancer can be effective for planning and policy-making. This study aims to investigate the incidence and trends of cervical cancer in Iran due to the few studies that have addressed this issue and the unclear trend for cervical cancer in Iran.Methods: This study re-analyzed existing data from the cancer data recording system in Iran during years 2003 to 2009. We used available data from the National Cancer Registry and Center for Disease Control of the Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education. Stata software (version 11) was used for data analysis and the significance of the incidence trend diagram was derived with WINPEPI software.Results: Assessment of the National Cancer Registry statistics from 2003 to 2009 showed an increased trend in cervical cancer from 2003 to 2008 and a decreased trend from 2008 to 2009. During this period, there were 4273 cases of cervical cancer registered. From these, 394 cases were registered in 2003 which peaked at 907 cases in 2009. The registered cancer cases had an approximately 3-fold increase during this period. Most provinces reported an increased trend of incidence in cervical cancer.Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the incidence of cervical cancer is increasing in Iran, especially in the central regions of the country. Therefore, considering the growing trend of cancer, we recommend early detection through screening programs, public awareness, and public training programs that particularly target high risk populations.