Abstract

Background: Cancer incidence rate is increasing in the world particularly in developing coun-tries. The awareness regarding cancer incidence and distribution helps policy makers and re-searchers to design comprehensive plan for controlling cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence rate and trend of cancer in Yazd Province, center of Iran. Methods: Data from Yazd cancer registry were derived from 2005 to 2009. Direct standardiza-tion through world standard population produced by the world health organization was used and Age- Standardized Incidence rate (ASR) was calculated. Data were analyzed using ASR, by EXCEL and SPSS software. Results: The new cases of cancer were 4631 patients from 2005 to 2009. Mean age of these patients was 57.98±27.49 years and 53.5 were male. Female patients were approximately 5 years younger than males. The most frequent cancer was breast in women followed by skin, colorectal, hematologic system and stomach. The 5 most frequent cancers in men were skin, bladder, colorectal, stomach and prostate. The ASR in 2005 to 2009 was respectively 85.2, 86.1, 92.6, 102.2 and 104.7 per 100,000 populations. Conclusions: ASR of cancer is increasing rapidly in Yazd Province. It is necessary to have a comprehensive health policy for prevention and control of this problem. © 2014, Health Hamadan University of Medical Sciences All rights reserved.