Mortality trends of gastrointestinal cancers in Iranian population.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the mortality rates and trends from Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer in Iranian population from 1995 to 2003.


BACKGROUND
Cancer is the third most common cause of death in Iran. Gastrointestinal cancer is the most important causes of mortality due to cancer. The cancer mortality data is important to monitor the effects of screening program, earlier diagnosis, demographic data and other prognostic factors.


METHODS
National death Statistic Reported by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOH&ME) from 1995 to 2003, stratified by age group, sex, and cause of death is included in this analysis. Colorectal cancer (CRC) [ICD-9; 153-154], Gastric cancer (GC) [ICD-9; 151], Pancreas cancer (PC) [ICD-9; 25], Esophageal cancer (EC) [ICD-9; C15] and Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) [ICD-9; 20] were expressed as the annual mortality rates/100,000, general and/or per gender, and age group.


RESULTS
The cause specific mortality rate of CRC slightly increased during the years under study and for GC and EC showed a sharp increasing. In contrast, the mortality rate of PC decreased slightly during the years under the study. The rate of HCC mortality moderately increased. All mortality rates were higher for male than female.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study indicated remarkable increasing trends in mortality of GI cancer in Iran specifically for CRC and GC. Developing for a GC and EC for both primary prevention and early detection programs and providing the facilities for CRC screening, would be the options to control the mortality and burden of GI cancers in the future.
Gastroenterology and Liver diseases Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohamad Amin
MA
Pourhoseingholi
Proteomics Research Center, Faculty of Paramedical Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Zeinab
Z
Fazeli
Gastroenterology and Liver diseases Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Sara
S
Ashtari
Gastroenterology and Liver diseases Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Fatemeh Sadat Fazeli
FS
Bavand-Pour
Colorectal Cancer; Esophageal Cancer; Gastric Cancer; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Pancreas Cancer