Inequalities in Cancer Distribution in Tehran; A Disaggregated Estimation of 2007 Incidence by 22 Districts

Background: cancer is the third cause of death in iran, with anincreasing incidence projected for the next decade. this study aimedto provide a disaggregated viewpoint on cancer incidence in all22 districts of tehran, using the geographic information system(gis). identifying clusters of cancers may assist in recognizing thecause of the disease, visualizing patterns of cancer distribution, thepotential disparities, and help in the provision of early detectionprograms and equitable, curative, and palliative services.methods: according to the 2007 – 2008 cancer registry datapublished by the ministry of health, there were 7948 newcancer cases diagnosed in tehran. data were collected from allpathology centers and hospitals, either public or private facilities,in tehran. these were classified into 31 main categories accordingto the expert panels and available resources. the population ofthe districts and neighborhoods were obtained from the iranstatistical center and the municipally of tehran, respectively.home addresses and phones were extracted from the database andimported to gis. the age?standardized rate (asr) was calculatedusing both the new world standard population (2000 – 2025) andthe iran population.results: overall, the cancer incidence rate and asr were 101.8and 94.775 per 100,000 people, respectively. the maximum cancerincidence rates in both sexes were in districts 6, 3, 1, and 2, whereas,the maximum asrs were in districts 6, 1, 2, and 3. district 6accommodated the highest asrs in both the sexes. common cancerswere breast, skin, colorectal, stomach, and prostate. the asr inmen and women were 129.954 and 114.546 per 100,000 population.conclusion: this report provides an appropriate guide to estimatethe cancer distribution within the districts of tehran. higherasr in districts 6, 1, 2, and 3, warrant further research, to obtainrobust population?based incidence data and also to investigate thebackground predisposing factors in the specified districts.