Ten-year data analysis of digestive system malignancies in Babol, North of Iran: 2008-2017

BACKGROUND: Unlike some regions of the world where digestive system cancers are not considered as important health problems, these neoplasms are among the most common malignancies in the northern region of Iran. METHODS: This observational analytical study was carried out based on data collected by the Cancer Registration Center affiliated to the Vice Chancellery for Health of Babol University of Medical Sciences, North of Iran, during 2008-2017. Crude incidence rate (CR), and age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) have been calculated for different GI cancers, based on the primary involved site; and have been compared in different years, patients' age, gender and place of residence. RESULTS: Totally, 4332 records were related to digestive system cancers. Mean age of patients was 63.48±14.73 years; men (2743; 63.3%) were more affected than women (1589; 36.7%) (p<0.001). The most incident malignancies of digestive system were from stomach, colorectal and esophagus in men; and colorectal, stomach and esophagus in women, respectively. These three cancers accounted for 3725 (85.98%) of total GI malignancies. The mean age of patients in various types of GI cancers was statistically different (p<0.001). Age- standardized incidence rate showed different values in different years; from 521.40 (95% CI: 462.79-580.00) in year 2016 to 1834.33 (95% CI: 1637.36-2031.29) in year 2008. CONCLUSION: Gastric, esophageal and colorectal cancers were the most prevalent digestive system malignancies in Babol, North of Iran, and accounted for about 86% of all GI tract cancers. A considerable variation has been found in incident gastrointestinal cancers in different years.