Abstract

Background: A geographic disparity for breast cancer (BC) incidence by provinces is introduced in Iran. Present study aimed to clarify the geographic disparity of BC incidence after considering the age and gender. Methods: In this ecological study data about BC incidence extracted from reports of national registry of cancer (NCR), and Disease Control and Prevention in 2008. BC incidence mapping was conducted in geographic information system (GIS). Results: The results were consistent with previous reports but extend the previous knowledge with regarding the age and gender. Highest age specific rates (ASRs) of BC occurred in the provinces located in Central and Northern of Iran. Tehran and Sistan & Balochestan had highest and lowest ASR for male BC and female BC respectively. Conclusion: given that BC occurs more in Central and Northern provinces that are mainly with high socioeconomic status (SES) levels, so it is suggested that disparity in BC incidence can be reduced through planning special programs such as education, screening, and preventive policy in provinces with high priorities.

Key words: Geographic distribution, Breast cancer, incidence, Iran