Trend analysis of gastric cancer and colorectal cancer mortality in Iran, 1995-2003

Cancer is the third most common cause of death in Iran. Gastric cancer (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) are two important causes of mortality due to cancer. With regards to cancer mortality, data are important to monitor the effects of screening program, earlier diagnosis, demographic data and other prognostic factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mortality rates and trends from GC and CRC in Iranian population during a period of almost a decade, i.e. from 1995 to 2003. 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 are included in this study. CRC and GC were expressed as the annual mortality rates/100,000, general and/or per gender, and age group. Results: The general mortality rate of CRC slightly increased during the years under study from 0.44 to 2.54 and CRC mortality was higher for older age and male. The general mortality rates of GC showed a sharp increasing from 1.68 to 9.67. In addition to this, GC mortality rate was higher for male than female. Conclusion: Our study indicated remarkable increasing trends in GC and CRC mortality. So developing for a gastric cancer for both primary prevention and early detection programs and manage the delays of diagnosis is recommended to decrease the trend of GC mortality. For CRC, since the rate of CRC screening is very low in Iran, it is recommended that in Iran screening be started as a public program in order to control the mortality and burden of CRC in the future.