The frequency of skin cancers in Kermanshah City, Iran, during the years 2003-2012

BACKGROUND: Skin cancer is the most common malignancy in the world, and besides the malignant type that has a high mortality rate, other cancers causes many complications and deaths as well. The incidence of skin cancer has increased over the recent decades. The present study aimed to assess the incidence of skin cancers in the city of Kermanshah, Iran, in a period between 2003 and 2012. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study, for which all the data was collected from the Cancer Registry Health Center in Kermanshah Province. The study population consisted of 2,660 individuals that had been diagnosed with skin cancer between the years 2003 and 2012. Analysis of obtained data was performed using SPSS statistical software. RESULTS: The prevalence of skin cancer in Kermanshah was 2,660 people over the last ten years. Skin cancer had a uniform trend, but it had increased from 212 individuals to 282 over the past decade. Although this cancer could be found in all ages, but in 2004, it was mostly diagnosed in the seventh decade of life. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the prevalence of skin cancer is in fact high. Given that skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, it is necessary to take steps toward reducing the risk factors of this cancer by management and proper planning.