Spatio-Temporal Study of Gastric Cancer Incidence in Kermanshah Province, Iran During the Years 2009-2014

Abstract

Background and objective: Stomach cancer is the second common and the most deadly type of cancer in Iranian<br />populations. The pattern of this cancer varies in different populations; demonstrating association with environmental,<br />racial, and geographical factors. The focus of this study was to identify the clustering and the high-risk and low-risk<br />regions for stomach cancer by using spatio-temporal analysis in Kermanshah province during 2009-2014. Method:<br />All new cases of stomach cancer were studied by census method in 2009 to end 2014 in Kermanshah province.<br />The required information and statistics (address, age, and sex) of patients were extracted from the cancer registry<br />system of Vice-Chancellor in health affairs, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences. Also, with having<br />the location, diagnosis time, and counting information of all age groups of stomach cancer patients, the spatially<br />and temporally abnormal places of clustering were identified with the use of saTScan and GIS. Results: the total<br />number of stomach cancer subjects during the period of study was 1040, with a mean age of 66.5± 1. in addition, 11<br />regions (located in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd municipal districts) demonstrated abnormal Spatio-temporal pattern of stomach<br />cancer incidence (hot spots) and clustered disease, with 5 regions (in 4th and 5th districts) representing lower chance of<br />clustering (cold spots, p value˂0.05). Conclusion: Given the growing rate of stomach cancer incidence in specific<br />geographical areas and, its high potential of mortality, and the possible relationship with environmental variables<br />(e.g. climate variables); the efforts need to be focused on the identification of hot/cold spots, the predisposing factors,<br />and the possible clusters in the affected areas.