Incidence Trend of Prostate Cancer in Markazi Province (Center of Iran), Results of Population-based Cancer Registry, and Application of Joinpoint Regression Model, 2012-2017

Cancer control, prevention, and treatment, as one of the most common diseases in the world, are a priority of healthcare and treatment around the world. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in the elderly. This study was conducted to determine prostate cancer incidence and its trends in Markazi province, Iran, from 2012 to 2017.

In this epidemiological study, all confirmed prostate cancer cases registered in the population-based regional cancer registry of Markazi province, Iran, were included. Crude, age-specific, and age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) of prostate cancer were calculated per 100000 population. ASR was calculated by direct method and using the world standard population. Time trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression analysis, and the average annual percentage change (AAPC) was calculated.

674 new prostate cancer patients were registered in Markazi province from 2012 to 2017. 89.3% of prostate cancer patients were 60 years old and older, and the highest age-specific incidence rate was in the ≥80 years age group (379.78 per 100000). The ASR of prostate cancer during the study period was 15, 12.9, 9.4, 16.6, 16.2, and 15.4 per 100,000 people, respectively. AAPC was calculated as 3.6% (95%CI: -8.6 to 17.5), but it was not statistically significant (p=0.474).

ASR for prostate cancer in Markazi province during 2012-2017 did not exhibit significant increasing trends. Also, AAPC changes were not significant. Investigating the impact of early diagnosis using screening and also risk factors, such as working in the metal and chemical industries, is recommended for future studies. Also, it is suggested to check the long-term ASR trend.