Trend of gastric cancer in a province in Western Iran: A population-based study during 2001–2014

Background: There are no studies on the trend of gastric cancer (GC) incidence in Kurdistan, a province in the west of Iran. We aimed to estimate the trend, age-standardized incidence rate (ASR), and annual percentage change (APC) of GC in this province during 2001–2014. Materials and Methods: The data of newly diagnosed GC patients were obtained from the regional Cancer Registering Database. The ASRs were calculated per 100,000 population during 2001–2014. Direct standardization and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by an efficient method. The temporary changes in ASRs were determined based on the APC by the joinpoint regression model. Results: Overall, 2225 newly diagnosed GC patients were identified. The ASRs ranged from 13.5 (95% CI: 10.4–17.3) to 29.0 (95% CI: 24.5–34.0). The highest ASRs were related to the men and women lived in Divandareh as 32.26 and 13.66, respectively. The respective APC value of GC incidence in women demonstrated a nonsignificant increase during 2001–2008 and a nonsignificant decrease during 2008–2014 (P = 0.1). Accordingly, the incidence of GC in men increased during 2001–2004 (P = 0.1) and decreased during 2004–2014 (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The incidence of GC showed nonsignificant and significant decreasing trends in women and men in Kurdistan province, respectively. Despite such decreasing trends, the Kurdistan province is still considered as one of the regions with high incidence of GC in Iran. Therefore, it is necessary to implement screening programs in the province to early diagnose GC.