Epidemiology and Trends of Skin Cancers in Guilan Province, Iran During 2010-2014

 Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world. Pattern of skin cancer is different in various geographical regions, depending on the genetic and environmental factors. 

 This study aims to investigate the incidence rate of skin cancer and its trends in Guilan province of Iran during 2010-2014.

In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the five-year data related to all cases of skin cancer recorded for Guilan Province during 2010-2014 were used. The age-sex incidence of skin cancer was standardized using the standard population of the World Health Organization. The age-standardized incidence rate of skin cancers including Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and Melanoma was calculated, and then its trends were evaluated.

 A total of 1664 cases with skin cancer, 1014 men and 650 women, were reported in the province from 2010 to 2014. Incidence of skin cancer was higher in men. BCC was the most common skin cancer. The most common site for BCC was face and scalp, and for SCC it was the lip. Melanoma was mostly occurred on acral regions. The incidence of skin cancer had a rising trend and had raised in all age groups.

 There is an increasing trend of skin cancers in Guilan Province. Therefore, planning for detection, prevention and control of its risk factors is necessary.