EPIDEMIOLOGY OF CANCERS IN ISFAHAN PROVINCE: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY (1981-1996)

SH BABA ZADEH, A ANDALIB, J EMAMI, H EMAMI, T AZARM, F MOKARIAN, M TAZHIBI

Abstract


Introduction. Malignancies occur word wide with variety of patterns depending on an individual's environmental situation and life style. Having data about the distribution and incidence of different malignancies is necessary for the formulation of an effective prevention plan for any specific area. Methods. In the central part of Iran (Isfahan Province) a retrospective study was designed to describe cancers' epidemiologic factors by collecting patients' data from the Isfahan Oncology center for the period of 1981-1996.
Results. The frequency of malignancies was as follows: Skin cancers 5111 cases with a frequency of 20.9 percent (62.9 percent males and 37.3 percent females). Leukemia 3108 cases with a frequency of 12.7 percent (59.9 percent males and 40.1 percent females). Breast cancer 2796 cases with a frequency of 11.4 percent (6.5 percent males and 93.7 percent females). cancers of the digestive system 2017 cases (60.5 percent males and 39.5 percent females). Non Hodgekin lymphoma 1953 cases with relative frequency of 8 percent (66.9 percent male and 33.1 percent females). cancers of the urinary system 1567 cases with a frequency 7.6 percent (82.5 males and 17.5 females). Head and neck cancers 1545 cases (6.3 percent). Cancer of the reproductive system 1313 cases with a frequency of 5.37 percent. Tumors of the central nervous system 1276 cases with a frequency of 5.22 percent. Lung cancers 933 cases with a frequency of 3.7 percent (80.7 percent males and 19.3 percent females). Hodgekins 913 cases with a frequency of 3.7 percent. Sarcoma of the soft tissue 801 cases (3.28 percent) and bone tissue 657 cases (2.7 percent). Endocrine malignancies 422 cases and 1.73 percent of all was at the bottom of categories during the period of study.
Discussion. In the present study, the prevalence of acute leukemia and also lymphatic and hodgekine malignancies were more frequent than the world wide data presented in the literature. The frequency of lung tumors, however, was less than in the developed countries.

Keywords


CANCER REGISTRY, PREVALENCE STUDY, EPIDEMIOLOGY