Background and purpose: Cervical cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in women. There are not enough information about the trends of this cancer in Iran, so, this study aimed to investigate the incidence and trends of changes in incidence of cervical cancer in Iran.
Materials and methods: This study was a reanalysis of existing data (2003-2009) obtained from the National Cancer Registry in Iran. The incidence rates were standardized based on population as suggested by World Health Organization. Then, the incidence trend of cervical cancer was determined by STATA.
Results: An increasing trend of cervical cancer was seen between 2003 and 2008 while a descending trend of the disease was observed in 2008- 2009. A total of 4273 cases of cervical cancer were registered in Iran. The number of people who developed the disease raised from 394 in 2003 to 907 in 2009, showing a three-fold increase.
Conclusion: According to current study, the incidence of cervical cancer is increasing in Iran, especially in central regions. Therefore, early detection through screening programs and trainings, particularly in patients at higher risk of cervical cancer is recommended.