Burden of breast cancer in females of Yazd province, 2006

Maintenace and promotion of health are the duties of governments. For suitable resource allocation decisions in health sector, we need measures that combine information on mortality and non-fatal health outcomes. Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) have above mentioned features. Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women. It is the first cause of death in 40-44 years old women. Breast cancer has the highest age standardized incidence rate (ASR) in Yazd province in Iran. The aim of this study was to estimate burden (DALYs) of breast cancer in Yazd province to determine of its significance and also provide a base for evaluation of its control programs in Yazd. In this cross-sectional study the burden (DALYs) of breast cancer in Yazd province in 2006 was measured by the use of specific cancer modeling software. Software input data consisted of province population, mortality rate of all causes, incidence rate, survival rate and mortality rate of breast cancer. The data were gathered from 2006 census, death registration system, cancer registry and expert panel, respectively. The total burden of breast cancer for women in Yazd province was 580.6 years (DALYs), 461 years of which was due to premature death and 119.6 years of which to its disability. The burden of breast cancer for every 1000 Yazdian women was 1.22 (DALYs/1000). The age specific peak of burden was in 45-69 years women. The burden of breast cancer in Yazd province was higher than the other parts of Iran, probably for its higher ASR in Yazd. It seems that breast cancer is one of the health sector priorities in Yazd but definite judgment needs measuring the burden of all other cancers diseases and injuries and their ranking in this province.