incidence

COVID-19 could exacerbate the symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Literature shows an increase in the incidence of relapse in patients with MS after COVID-19. We designed this systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled incidence of MS-relapse after COVID-19.

We performed a systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google scholar. Gray literature including references of the references and conference abstracts were also searched to find relevant articles. We extracted data regarding the total number of participants, the name of the first author, publication year, country of origin, mean age, mean disease duration, mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and the number of patients with relapse after COVID.

A literature search revealed 5160 articles, after deleting duplicates, 2270 remained. After careful evaluation of the full texts, twelve studies were included for meta-analysis. Totally, 1595 patients with MS who had a history of COVID-19 were evaluated. Most studies were done in Iran. The mean age of included patients ranged between 35 and 49 years, and mean durations of the disease were between 7and 15.4 years. The incidence of relapse ranged between 2% and 20% in included studies. The pooled incidence of relapse after COVID-19 was 7% (95%CI:5-10%) (I2=64%, p<0.001).

The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis show that the pooled incidence of MS-related relapse after COVID-19 is 7%.

This study examined the rising prevalence of internet gaming disorder (IGD) among adolescents in Tehran, focusing on two addiction patterns (mood/social problems and academic/occupational problems) and their correlation with high school level.

The research aims to explore the escalation of IGD among adolescents in the context of expanding internet technology.

The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design. A sample of 708 adolescents (176 females, 532 males), aged 12 to 18, from various districts in Tehran was randomly selected based on inclusion criteria. Participants completed questionnaires on internet game addiction and provided demographic information. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and the Welch test in SPSS 26.

The study revealed a 5.6% prevalence of IGD among adolescents in Tehran. Notably, second-year high school students exhibited a different pattern of internet game addiction, particularly in relation to academic and occupational challenges, compared to first-year students. Chi-square analysis showed significant differences between adolescents with and without IGD regarding sleep duration, paternal education level, and family financial status. Welch’s tests revealed significant differences in emotional and social aspects of internet addiction among high school students in the first and second years. The statistical analysis also indicated a significant disparity in academic and occupational aspects of internet addiction based on educational level.

The alignment of IGD prevalence in Tehran with findings from studies in other countries suggests the potential involvement of similar factors in the development of internet game addiction. Further research is needed to investigate these factors comprehensively and implement preventive measures to curb the increasing incidence of IGD among adolescents.

Studies suggest a potential global increase in the incidence rate of type 1 diabetes (T1D) following the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This study aimed to assess the incidence of T1D in Isfahan Province before and during the pandemic to better understand the situation in this population. In this cross-sectional study, we determined the incidence rate of new-onset T1D for the two years preceding the COVID-19 pandemic (2018-2019) and during the two years of the pandemic (2020-2021). We also calculated incidence rates each year by sex and age groups (0–4 years, 5–9 years, 10–14 years, and 15–18 years). The age-adjusted incidence rates (95% CI) of T1D in Isfahan were as follows: 16.38 (16.27-16.49) in 2018, 13.94 (13.51-14.35) in 2019, 13.17 (12.44-13.90) in 2020, and 18.09 (17.17-19.00) in 2021 per 100,000 children. The average annual percent change (APC) was 9.7%, with the highest APC of 37.34% in 2021. There was no statistically significant trend in T1D incidence during the study period (P > 0.05). The frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) was higher during the COVID-19 period in 2020 and 2021 compared to 2018, with rates of 54.89% in 2021, 52.82% in 2020, 52.68% in 2019, and 32.49% in 2018 (P < 0.005). This research observed an increasing incidence rate of T1D, particularly in the second year of the COVID-19 outbreak. While other studies have also reported an increase in T1D cases, the complex nature of T1D development makes it challenging to draw definitive conclusions about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on T1D onset.

This study was conducted to investigate the trend of some tuberculosis (TB) indices and identify existing gaps in addressing this important public health issue in Hamadan province over a long time period.

 A registry-based cross-sectional study.

In this study, we examined the trend of 10 TB indicators separately in males and females, including the incidence rates of smear-positive pulmonary TB (SPPT), extra-pulmonary TB (EPT), and smear-negative pulmonary TB (SNPT), co-infection with AIDS, relapse rate, smear conversion rate two months after treatment initiation, TB mortality rate, diagnosis rate of pulmonary TB with a smear grade of 3+, treatment success rate, and TB diagnosis rate by the private sector in Hamadan province during 2011-2022. The trend analysis of TB was conducted using Joinpoint regression model, and the annual percentage change (APC) and the average annual percentage change (AAPC) were calculated.

A total of 481 females and 554 males were eligible for analysis. The incidence of SPPT in females showed a decreasing trend (AAPC: -7.72; 95% CI: -15.63, -1.10; P=0.008). The rates of EPT and treatment success showed a significant downward trend in both genders. In contrast, the recurrence rate among females exhibited a notable upward trend during the specified time period (AAPC: 18.45; 95% CI: 3.23, 46.47; P=0.0002).

The findings of this study suggest that the epidemiological profile of TB has exhibited a relatively favorable trend in some of the examined indicators since 2011, with declines observed in both SPPT and EPT.

Introduction. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), with reported incidences ranging from 20-70% within the first 100 days post-transplant. AKI can adversely impact outcomes and survival in this patient population. Methods. This retrospective study evaluated 110 pediatric patients who underwent HSCT at Mofid Children’s Hospital, affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, between 2016-2021. AKI was defined and staged according to the criteria for Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO). Results. The cohort comprised 68 (61.8%) males and 42 (38.2%) females, with a mean age of 6.4 ± 4.1 years. Underlying disorders were malignant in 64 (58.1%) and non-malignant in 46 (41.9%) patients. Among the cohort, 84 (76.3%) patients underwent allogeneic HSCT, while 26 (23.7%) received autologous HSCT. Myeloablative and reduced-intensity conditioning regimens were used in 77 (70%) and 33 (30%) patients, respectively. AKI developed in 53 (48%) patients within 100 days post-transplant, with incidences of 38%, 40%, and 22% for stages 1, 2, and 3 AKI, respectively. AKI incidence was higher in allogeneic HSCT (52%) compared to autologous HSCT (17%; P = 0.023). Younger age (P = 0.033) and non-malignant disorders (P = 0.033) were associated with increased AKI risk. At the end of the study, 77 (70%) patients were alive, and 33 (30%) had deceased, with a significant positive correlation between AKI stage and mortality (P = 0.004). Conclusion. This study highlights the high prevalence of AKI among pediatric HSCT recipients, particularly those undergoing allogeneic HSCT, at a younger age, and with non-malignant disorders. Regular post-transplant renal monitoring may improve survival in this population.

External-Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) is one of the most important treatments for prostate cancer. Metformin is a multifunctional drug that can control complications following radiotherapy.  This double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted on patients with prostate cancer candidates for EBRT. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups receiving oral Metformin (n=20) or placebo (n=20). The incidence of acute complications was investigated using radiation therapy oncology group acute complications criteria.  There was no significant change in the number of blood cells before and after treatment in the two groups (p<0.05). The micronuclei number in both groups showed a significant increase during radiotherapy, immediately and one month later (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in number of micronuclei between the two groups (p<0.05). The frequency of urinary complications ≥ grade 2 in the metformin group was lower (p=0.005). There was no significant difference in the incidence of gastrointestinal complications ≥ grade 2 between the metformin and placebo groups (p=0.5).  It is recommended that further studies on Metformin as a radioprotective agent in prostate cancer patients who are candidates for radiotherapy be carried out. This research project was registered in the clinical trial center (IRCT: IRCT20211213053377N1).

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital abnormality in children and often requires surgical intervention. These children are vulnerable to nosocomial infections (NIs), particularly bloodstream infections (BSIs), after surgery. In this study, we aimed to investigate the incidence of bloodstream infections BSIs after cardiac surgery. This retrospective study was conducted on pediatric patients refered to Children’s Medical Center Hospital, affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences, from March 2022 to March 2023 for cardiac surgery. The records of 449 patients were reviewed, with 436 meeting inclusion criteria. Data were extracted from medical records, including age, weight, gender, clinical diagnoses, and blood culture results. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics (including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (including Chi-square and Independent t-test) in SPSS version 23. The results showed that the incidence of BSIs in pediatric CHD patients after cardiac surgery was 3.21%. Postoperative blood cultures revealed that Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common pathogen (42.9%), followed by Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis (14.3% each). No significant association was found between BSIs and gender (P=0.70), weight (P=0.06), or diagnosis (P=0.44). However, age was significantly associated with BSI incidence (P<0.001). This study provides important insights into the incidence of nosocomial BSIs in pediatric CHD patients after cardiac surgery. Our results highlight the need for stronger infection control measures and targeted antibiotic therapies to effectively manage BSIs. Further research is recommended to validate these results and improve preventive measures in pediatric cardiac units.

Delirium is characterized by impaired attention and awareness, accompanied by cognitive deficits. It develops rapidly and poses a considerable burden on healthcare systems. Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are particularly vulnerable to developing delirium. This study aims to determine the incidence and predictors of delirium among ICU patients at Jimma Medical Center in southwest Ethiopia in 2023. 

A prospective observational cohort study was conducted on 403 patients aged≥18 years admitted to emergency, surgical, and medical ICUs at Jimma Medical Center in southwest Ethiopia. Patients were assessed twice daily for delirium using the Richmond agitation sedation scale (RASS) and confusion assessment method (CAM). The association between independent variables and delirium incidence was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards (PH) regression. A univariate Cox PH model screened variables at a 0.25 significance level, followed by a multivariable Cox PH model for significant variables. Variables with a P-value≤0.05 were considered significantly associated with delirium incidence among ICU patients. 

The findings of this study revealed that the overall occurrence of delirium among critically ill ICU patients was 118 (29.3%) (95% CI: 25%,34%), and the rest, 70.7% of the participants, were censored (95% CI: 66,75). The incidence rate of delirium among intensive care unit patients was 21.2 (95% CI: 17.8,25.4) per 1000 person-days of observation. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AHR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.23,3.56), stroke (AHR: 1.8; 95%CI: 1.98,3.73), Oxygen Saturation less than 90% (AHR:1.61; 95% CI: 1.11,2.34) and Obesity (AHR: 0.35; 95%CI: 0.13,0.84) were independent predictors of delirium among ICU patients.  

This study found that, with an incidence rate of 21.2 occurrences per 1000 person-days of observation, delirium greatly affects the outcome of intensive care unit patients in the Jimma Medical Center. The study identifies several factors that independently predict the occurrence of delirium in ICU patients, including obesity, stroke, low oxygen saturation levels, and COPD. Interestingly, our findings suggest that admission for heart failure may have a protective effect against delirium. Therefore, health professionals ought to give special attention to patients with identified predictors.

Kidney cancer in adults includes malignant tumors originating from the parenchyma and pelvis and is the most lethal urogenital cancer. Available data in Iran indicate that the incidence and pattern of this cancer are changing.

Our study aimed to present an updated incidence rate of kidney cancer in Iran and its 31 provinces and their trends, and climate zones distribution of the disease.

In this study, the age standard incidence rate (ASIR) of kidney cancer based on provinces, age groups, and gender has been calculated using the available data in the national cancer registration system of the Ministry of Health from 2003 to 2016.

Overall ASIR of kidney cancer was 1.28 per 100,000 from 2003 to 2016. ASIR of this cancer in men has increased from 0.96 in 2003 to 3.66 in 2016 and similarly, reached from 0.61 in 2003 to 2.24 in 2016 in women. Fars, Yazd, Tehran and Isfahan provinces had the highest ASIR in Iran. Hot climate zones are associated with a higher incidence of kidney cancer while moderate climate is linked to the lower incidence rates in Iran.

Although the incidence rate of kidney cancer in Iran and its provinces is low, the increasing trend is concerning particularly among men. Therefore, it is crucial to develop cost-effective screening tests and implement control and prevention programs in the high-incidence provinces.

Drug interactions can lead to treatment failure, the occurrence of side effects, complicate the clinical course and severity of the disease, and prolong hospitalization duration. Pediatrics are particularly vulnerable to drug interactions.

This study aims to evaluate prescribed medications and the incidence of drug interactions in pediatric patients.

This study was conducted as a cross-sectional investigation. Over nine months, we evaluated pediatric patients referred to Bandar Abbas Children’s Hospital, affiliated with Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, who received outpatient treatment services. The medications these patients received were assessed for drug interactions. Only interactions with clinical importance (i.e., category C-D-X) were considered. Using the Lexi-Interact online database, the prescribed drugs were evaluated in terms of the number and type of potential drug-drug interactions.

A total of 1011 patients were included in the study based on the determined criteria. The mean age was 4.52 ± 0.11 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 1.2:1. More than two-thirds of the patients were seen by general physicians. Among all participants, 26.7% had at least one clinically significant interaction in their prescriptions. Furthermore, 309 interactions were identified, of which 6.39% were of significant severity, and 93.61% were of moderate severity. The risk rating of C was the most common interaction, followed by X and D (87.7%, 7.4%, and 4.8%, respectively). Regarding reliability, 0.30% had fair reliability, 64.20% had good reliability, and 35.50% had excellent reliability ratings. Patients with underlying conditions were at increased risk of interaction occurrence (OR = 1.8, P = 0.008).

Drug interactions with high clinical significance were identified at a high prevalence rate. These interactions can have significant consequences. Pharmacists and physicians play an important role in identifying and managing drug-drug interactions.

Nephropathy, a vascular complication of hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and prediabetes, is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease.

This study aimed to investigate the incidence and prevalence of nephropathy and its risk factors in patients with prediabetes, with a particular focus on exploring the association between a family history (FH) of DM and nephropathy.

In this retrospective study, we examined the medical records of 819 patients with prediabetes referred to the Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center in 2004. We compared the prevalence of nephropathy in 2019 to baseline levels and assessed factors such as FH of DM in first-degree relatives and other nephropathy-related factors among patients with and without nephropathy.

The prevalence of nephropathy increased from 39% to 60.6% over 15 years, with a cumulative incidence of 21.6% and a mean annual incidence of 2.4%. There were differences in diastolic and systolic blood pressure, lipid markers, fasting and postprandial glucose levels, and glomerular filtration rate between patients with and without nephropathy; however, these differences were not statistically significant (P-value ≥ 0.05). Male sex (Odds ratio [OR]: 1.8), age (OR: 1.02), and Body Mass Index (BMI) (OR: 1.05) were significantly associated with nephropathy (P-value < 0.05). No significant association was found between a positive FH of DM and nephropathy (P-value = 0.638).

Our findings indicate that a FH of DM is not associated with an increased risk of nephropathy in patients with prediabetes. Instead, sex, age, and BMI play a more significant role. Therefore, these factors may be more critical in guiding preventive and treatment measures.

Head injuries (HI) pose a significant public health concern globally, impacting morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology and trends associated with head injuries in Iran from 1990 to 2019.

Our study, based on data from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) Study 2019, undertook a comprehensive comparison of the burden of HI in Iranwith theMiddle East andNorth Africa (MENA) and global benchmarks. We assessed the incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLD) through various metrics, including absolute numbers, age-standardized rates (ASR), percentage changes, and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) from 1990 to 2019.

The incidence of HI in Iran decreased significantly from 1990 to 2019, with a notable reduction compared to MENA and global trends (EAPC: -1.44, 0.71, and -0.11, respectively). Prevalence showed a declining trend (EAPC: -1.00), with a slight increase in YLDs (EAPC: 0.12). Notable peaks in HI incidence coincided with natural disasters, notably the 1990 Manjil-Rudbar earthquake and the 2003 Bam earthquake.

Our study reveals a decline in the overall burden of HI in Iran over the study period. To sustain this positive trend andminimize the impact of HI on public health and socioeconomicwell-being, policy efforts should be directed toward ongoing prevention, early detection, and preparedness for natural disasters.

Determining the incidence of lesions in communities, including salivary gland diseases, is an important pillar of epidemiological studies that affects the recognition of oral lesions.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence of salivary gland lesions referred to the pathology centers in Rasht City between 2016 and 2021.

This retrospective study is of a descriptive-analytical type, which was conducted using the records of 261 patients between 2016 and 2021, referring to the archived records at Rasht pathobiology laboratories. The required information, including the age and sex of the patients, histopathological diagnosis, and location of the lesions, was recorded and analyzed by SPSS 26 software using the incidence formula at a significance level of less than 0.05.

The highest incidence was observed for benign tumors (15.44 per 100,000 individuals), non-neoplastic salivary lesions (15.29 per 100,000 individuals), and malignant tumors (4.85 per 100,000 individuals), respectively. The highest frequency based on the location of secondary salivary glands was related to the palate region (48.4%), and based on the type of main gland, the parotid gland (63.5%). Pleomorphic adenoma and inflammatory lesions had the highest incidence.

Based on the results of the present study, the incidence of salivary gland neoplastic lesions has increased in the last 5 years. Pleomorphic adenoma and adenocystic carcinoma were the most common benign and malignant tumors reported in this study, respectively. These findings highlight the need for further studies on the causes of salivary gland neoplasms.

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is rising in Iran, but reports vary across different regions due to diverse methods and data sources. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta analysis to provide an overview of theincidence rate of CRC and its trend among Iranians in various provinces.

A comprehensive literature search based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses checklist was performed using national and international databases for papers published up to December 2023. CRC incidence rates were extracted from the numbers, crude rates, and age standardized rates (ASRs). A meta analysis was conducted to calculate the incidence rate and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in subgroups of sex and province.

The initial database search retrieved 1287 papers, with 47 studies meeting the inclusion criteria after further screening. Overall, the trend of CRC incidence has been increasing, although a different pattern was observed in 2008. The pooled incidence rate of CRC was 8.46 (95% CI: 7.16–9.86) per 100,000 population beforethe publication of the annual continuous reports of the Iranian National Cancer Registry. The latest national data (2014–2017) indicated an ASR of approximately 15 per 100,000 population.

The incidence of CRC in Iran is lower than the global average. However, inconsistent cancer registration policies and gaps in registration have hindered the ability to establish a reliable trend of CRC incidence over time.

  This study explores the epidemiology of Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) among resident students in Komarapalayam, India, with the aim of increasing awareness, identifying influential lifestyle factors, and assessing intervention effectiveness.

A comprehensive nine-month prospective cohort study involving 404 paramedical students aged 17-28 was rigorously conducted. Data collection included a meticulously validated questionnaire, high-risk subgroup identification, and the implementation of educational interventions. Statistical analyses maintained a significance threshold at p ≤ 0.05.

  The study findings revealed a striking contrast. While the actual incidence of Peptic Ulcer Disease was lower than anticipated, the prevalence of prodromal symptoms was surprisingly high. This underscores the critical need for early symptom identification. Tailored educational interventions exhibited great promise in improving PUD comprehension. Lifestyle choices played a substantial role in susceptibility, with hostellers experiencing the highest PUD prevalence at 10.3%—the efficacy of symptom-based assessments extended beyond healthcare domains.

This investigation underscores the urgency of early symptom recognition, personalized education, and proactive health-oriented choices to mitigate the onset of Peptic Ulcer Disease. It highlights the merit of symptom-based assessments and emphasizes the essential role of health education within tertiary institutions. This research catalyzes future initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of students in the context of Peptic Ulcer Disease.

Despite significant advances in patient treatment, infection remains a complication after surgery. The present study compared the incidence and severity of wound infection with two methods of washing the primary prep area with 70% alcohol and normal saline in patients who are candidates for orthopedic surgery in Kowsar Hospital of Sanandaj, Iran.

This single-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted on 190 candidates for upper limb orthopedic surgery aged 18 to 65. Patients were randomly assigned to two alcohol and normal saline groups based on the table of random numbers. The primary outcome of this clinical trial was the incidence and severity of wound infection after surgery, which was measured by the standard scale of the Asepsis index. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 23, and statistical values less than 0.05 were considered significant.

Patients’ hospitalization duration in the intervention group was (3.02±1.04 days) and in the control group (2.86±1.03 days) showed no significant statistical difference (p=0.297). The frequency of wound infection in the alcohol group was lower than in the normal saline group. this difference was statistically significant (p=0.023). Also, the severity of wound infection in the 70% alcohol group (Mean=5.12, SD=3.19) was lower than in the normal saline group (Mean=7.69, SD=4.12). This difference was statistically significant (p<0.001).

The present clinical trial showed that the incidence and severity of wound infection after surgery were lower in the group washing the skin of the surgical area with alcohol compared to the group washing with normal saline.

Laryngeal cancer poses a significant health challenge, particularly in Iran, where it exerts a substantial burden on the healthcare system. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the geographic variation in laryngeal cancer incidence across Iran, estimate its burden in 2022, and project trends up to 2050.

Our study utilized data from two sources: the Iran National Population- based Cancer Registry (INPCR) for a four-year period (2014-2017) and the GLOBOCAN 2022 study. From the INPCR data, we calculated average age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) for each province. Additionally, the GLOBOCAN 2022 study provided estimates of laryngeal cancer incidence and mortality rates for 2022, along with projections for future trends until 2050.

Laryngeal cancer displayed significant regional variations within Iran between 2014 and 2017, with Kerman and North Khorasan provinces experiencing the highest incidence rates. Laryngeal cancer incidence increased with age and remained considerably higher in males. In 2022, laryngeal cancer represented 2 % of new cancer cases in Iran, with ASIRs higher than global averages. By 2050, a substantial increase in both incidence and mortality rates is projected, emphasizing the growing burden of laryngeal cancer in Iran.

This study highlights the substantial variations in laryngeal cancer incidence across Iranian provinces. Our findings suggest that opium use, in addition to established risk factors like tobacco and alcohol, might contribute to the high incidence rates observed in Iran. Early diagnosis and targeted interventions tailored to regional risk factor prevalence are crucial to address the growing public health burden of laryngeal cancer in Iran.

 Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most malignant cancers with a poor prognosis. Despite advances in the diagnosis and management of PC, the survival rate remains low. In Iran, the incidence of PC is increasing, with mortality rates nearly doubling over the past 25 years. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the temporal variations and incidence of PC in Golestan province, as a prominent hub for gastrointestinal cancers in Iran.

 In this cross-sectional study, patient information was obtained from the Golestan Population-Based Cancer Registry (GPCR) from 2006 to 2019. We calculated age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) using the World standard population and reported the rates per 100000 persons-year. To compare ASRs across sexes and residence areas, incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated using Poisson regression models. We calculated the estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) to assess time trends in incidence rates of PC in Golestan during the study period.

 Among a total of 560 PC new cases (mean age of 63.72 years), 46.61% were diagnosed through clinical or paraclinical methods. The crude incidence rate and ASR were 2.24 and 2.95 (95% CI: 2.70‒3.20) per 100000 persons-year, respectively. The ASR of PC was significantly higher in males (3.78; 95% CI: 3.37‒4.19) than females (2.17; 95% CI: 1.88‒2.46) (IRR=1.71; P<0.01). The ASR was higher in the urban (3.23; 95% CI: 2.88‒3.58) compared to the rural population (2.65; 95% CI: 2.30‒3.00) (IRR=1.23; P=0.02). The ASR of PC increased from 1.97 to 3.53 during 2006 to 2019 with an EAPC of 4.39 (95% CI: -3.56 to 12.75). The EAPCs were 4.85% and 4.37% in women and men, respectively.

 Our study showed that the incidence of PC is increasing in the Golestan province. Also, the incidence rate was higher in men, elderly people, and the urban population.

Breast cancer is top-ranking cancer among women regarding its incidence and mortality rates. This study aimed to estimate the possible geographical distribution of breast cancer in the Khorasan Razavi province, North East Iran.

This retrospective record review study utilized data from the cancer registration system, focusing on patients registered from 2013 to 2017 in Khorasan Razavi Province. Information from clinical, pathological, and cytological evaluations, as well as death certificates, was collected. Sample size was determined through full enumeration, including all diagnosed patients with breast cancer. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata V. 14 and SPSS V. 20, incorporating mean ± SD and frequency reporting. Incidence rates, age-standardized rates, and geographic clustering were assessed using ArcMap V. 10.6.1 software. 

Over five years, 5553 patients with breast cancer were diagnosed. The average diagnosis age of the patients was 51.41 ± 12.94 years. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) between 2013 and 2017 was 54.3, 40.9, 44.8, 42.8, and 40, respectively, which revealed an almost decreasing trend. Bakharz and Taibad cities have the highest and lowest incidence rates compared to neighborhood cities in Khorasan Razavi province, respectively. Anselin Local Moran’s I test revealed that there is no identified significant cluster in the counties of Khorasan Razavi (P>0.05). 

The study suggests a decreasing trend in breast cancer incidence, with the highest rates in the 40-49 age group. Recommendations include implementing screening and prevention measures, particularly targeting high-risk populations to address this health concern.