Comparing of the Epidemiology of Skin Cancer in the Kurdistan and Yazd in 2012

Skin cancer is regarded as the most common cancer in Iran. Thus, this study aimed to compare the cancer epidemiology in Yazd and Kurdistan provinces with different development conditions, through which the ground for further studies as well as appropriate interventions are provided. This was a descriptive epidemiological study which the study population consisted of patients suffering from skin cancer (different types) in the province of Kurdistan and Yazd in 2012. The study data were gleaned utilizing the information recorded in the Register of Skin Cancer Health Center in Kurdistan and Yazd. In the current study, the province of Kurdistan was considered as a disadvantaged and Yazd province as a developed one. The mean age of Kurdistan patients was 64.4±12.5 and the mean age of Yazd patients was 61.5± 15. Age-adjusted prevalence of skin cancer in Kurdistan and Yazd was reported respectively 7.07 and 7.60 per 100,000. Age-adjusted incidence was observed as 3.66 and 5.02 per 100,000 respectively in Yazd and Kurdistan in the second half of 2012. The study results revealed that the cancer prevalence was higher in Yazd province, which could be due such factors as continuous contact with sunlight and pollution caused by industries of Yazd Province. It is recommended to take the development of health promotion activities in to account simultaneously with the urban development.