Prevalence of the Common Cancers by Gender using GIS System in Razavi Khorasan Province

Cancer is one of the most important causes of death and disability worldwide. In most cases, cancer is not caused by inherent biology, but by the environment where a person lives. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of the common cancers by gender using GIS system in Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran.

In this cohort study, all the cancer reports, based on gender, in Razavi Khorasan Province were collected annually from 2011 to 2014. The study variables included the number of people diagnosed with cancer, type of cancer, and gender. The GIS software was employed to draw a geographic map for the prevalence of cancer separately by gender in Razavi Khorasan Province. A geographical map was drawn for breast cancer in women and colon cancer in men in 20 cities of the above-mentioned province.

The results showed that the prevalence of breast cancer in women and stomach cancer in men was higher than other cancers. Also, breast cancer in women and stomach cancer in men was the highest in the capital of the province (Mashhad), which was equal to 4,623 and 2,770 cases, respectively, during the years 2011-2014.

Considering the high prevalence of three types of breast cancer in women and colon cancer in men in Razavi Khorasan Province, especially Mashhad city, it is highly recommended to take necessary measures to prevent these diseases. Drawing a geographic map for breast (women) and intestine (men) cancers for 20 cities of Razavi Khorasan province could be useful for future planners.