Changing Trends of Types of Skin Cancer in Iran

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide. It has an increasing trend. Thisstudy investigated the epidemiological trend and morphological changes in skin cancer in Iran. Materials and<br/><b>Methods</b>: This study was done using existing data, extracted from the National Cancer Registry System andthe Disease Management Center of Iranian Ministry of Health between 2003 and 2008. Data on epidemiologictrend was analyzed using Joinpoint software package. <br/><b>Results</b>: The incidence of skin cancer is increasing inIran, and more in men than women. There was a declining trend for basal cell carcinoma. Basal squamous cellcarcinoma and melanoma had an increasing trend. The increase of skin cancer was related to squamous cellcarcinoma. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Our findings indicated that the increase of skin cancer was attributed to squamous cellcarcinoma. It is necessary to be planning for the control and prevention of this disease as a priority for healthpolicy makers.