Epidemiology and trend of skin cancer incidence in southern Iran

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the Iran. The first step in planning for the prevention and treatment of cancers is collecting information about their incidence and trends. The present study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of skin cancer and its trend in southern Iran.

This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted by analyzing the existing data obtained from the National Cancer Registry System in Iran. The data included all records of skin cancer cases in southern Iran. Then, the incidence rates were standardized using direct method. The data were demonstrated in frequency tables and Cochrane-Armitage test for linear trend was used for evaluation of the incidence trend.

Skin cancer had a high incidence in the southern provinces of Iran. A total of 6230 cases of skin cancer during 6 years (2003-2008) were recorded in those provinces and the incidence rate of skin cancer was increasing (P=0.001). In all years of the study, skin cancer incidence was higher in males than women. In terms of frequency, Fars, Khuzestan, Bushehr and Hormozgan provinces had the highest age-standardized incidence.

Considering the high incidence of skin cancer and its relationship to sun exposure, educating people on the correct sun protection, educating and empowering physicians and the people about early detection of skin cancers seems to be important in preventing its increasing trend.