An investigation of changing patterns in breast cancer incidence trends among Iranian women

Background and Breast cancer is the commonest cancer and first leading cause of death among women. Since having knowledge about breast cancer incidence trends over time is essential for health planning, this study was aimed at investigating variation in the incidence of breast cancer. This study is a reanalysis of existing data published by cancer registry system of Iran during 2003 to 2009. The reported incidence of WHO standards are based on the direct method. According to registry statistics between 2003 and 2009 breast cancer incidence among women has increased as 3946 and 8424 cases were recorded in years 2003 and 8424 respectively.. Over mentioned years the number of breast cancer cases recorded in the country was 45122, in which 43922 cases have occurred among women. The Highest ASR was reported about 33/21 in year 2008 and the lowest was reported about 15/96 in year 2003 (cases per hundred thousand people), The highest and lowest recorded incidence rates appertain to Tehran and Kohkiloye and Boyer Ahmad. Cancer registry statistics during 2003 to 2009 indicate that cancer incidence peak age is around 50-55 years or more. Breast cancer incidence rate has been increasing in recent years, as the most common malignancy among women in Iran. The incidence of the disease is rising considerably in the country, especially in the central and Northern provinces; therefore, planning for early detection of cancer in high-risk areas would be useful.