Population-Based Cancer Incidence Trends in Khuzestan Province, Iran: A Registry-Based Study

Abstract

Background: Understanding the geographical incidence of various types of cancer is the first step in effective planning. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the 5-year incidence trend of common cancers in Khuzestan. Methods: In this registry-based time trend (serial cross-sectional) study, cancer registry data (age, gender, city, type of morphology, location of lesion, age of onset, and disease stage) were extracted and analyzed from 2014 to 2018. Incidence rates were calculated using the crude rate and age-standardized rate (ASR) per 100,000 persons. Results: A total of 29,289 cancer cases were registered. The crude incidence rate and the ASR of all cases in 2014 were 116.64 and 150.90/105 [95% confidence interval (CI): 148.2 - 153.6], respectively. In 2018, these rates increased to 144.96 and 174.18/105 (95% CI: 171.8 - 176.6). Over the 5-year period, the ASR increased by 13.37%. The highest ASR among common cancers in 2014 was observed for breast (33.15/100,000), other skin (11.56/100,000), colorectal (9.25/100,000), and stomach cancers (7.1/100,000). In 2018, the highest ASR were recorded for breast (46.51/100,000), prostate (17.25/100,000), other skin (12.05/100,000), and colorectal cancers (10.98/100,000). The most frequent cancers among men were other skin, prostate, colorectal, and stomach. In women, breast, other skin, and colorectal cancers were the most common. Conclusions: Cancer incidence in Khuzestan has been increasing in recent years and appears to be within the higher range of previous national reports from Iranian provinces, highlighting regional variations in cancer burden. This rising trend underscores the necessity of national policies to facilitate timely diagnosis and to develop and implement cancer control programs in this region.