Spatial analysis of Relative Risks for skin cancer morbidity and mortality in Iran, 2008 - 2010

Background: One of the most prevalent cancers in whole world is skin cancer and its prevalence is growing.The present research sought to estimate relative risk of morbidity and mortality due to skin cancer. Materialsand
Methods: In this cross-sectional study. The required data were gathered from the registered cancer reportsof Cancer Control Office in the Center for Non Communicable Disease of the Iranian Ministry of Health(MOH). The data were extracted at province level in the time span of 2008-10. WINBUGS software was usedto analyze the data and to identify high risk regions. ArcGIS10 was utilized to map the distribution of skincancer and to demonstrate high risk provinces by using classic and fully Bayesian models taking into accountspatial correlations of adjacent regions separately for men and women.
Results: Relative risk of morbidity forwomen in Yazd and for men in Kurdistan and relative risk of mortality for women in Bushehr and for men inKohgiluyeh were found to be the highest. Bayesian model due to regarding adjacent regions correlation, haveprecise estimation in comparing to classical model. More frequent epidemiological studies to enact skin cancerprevention programs.
Conclusions: High risk regions in Iran include central and highland regions. Therefore itis suggested that health decision makers enact public education, using anti UV creams and sunglasses for thoseparts as a short preventing program.