Journal of

Background and Aim: Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world, which is associated with mortality, mortality and health care costs. Planning prevention and control of this cancer, information about its incidence rates and incidence trends is necessary. The present study aimed to determine the incidence rates and trends of skin cancer in Tehran.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, necessary data were extracted from the Cancer Registry, Ministry of Health and Medical Education between 2003 and 2008. Age - and sex -standardized incidence rates were calculated and the incidence rate trends were determined.

Results: Between 2003 and 2008, 7429 skin cancer cases were recorded, of which 4807 were men and 2622 were women. Skin cancer incidence had an increasing trend in Tehran and its incidence rate has increased from 8.99 in women and 11.52 in men in 2003 to 18.03 in women and 28.16 in men in 2008, respectively. In addition, incidence of skin cancer was increased with aging in both men and women. The incidence rate was higher in men than women.

Conclusion: Skin cancer incidence in Tehran is increasing, which could be due to population aging, environmental risk factors, and changes in life style. More comprehensive research is suggested to investigate the risk factors for this cancer in Tehran.