Leukemia Cancer Mortality Trend in Iran, From 1995 to 2004

BACKGROUND Cancer is the third most common cause of death in Iran, the leukemia cancer is one of the most important causes of cancer mortality. Regarding cancer mortality, data would be important to monitor the program screening effects, earlier diagnosis, demographic data and other prognostic factors. The aim of this study was mortality rates evaluating, then leukemia cancer trends among the Iranian population within almost a period of a decade, i.e. from 1995 to 2004. METHODS National death Statistic Reported by Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOH&ME) from 1995 to 2004, stratified by age group, sex, and cause of death, have included in this study. Leukemia cancer has expressed as the annual mortality rates/100,000, in general, and/or per gender, and age group. RESULTS The general mortality rate of leukemia cancer has slightly increased within the mentioned study period, from 0.44 to 2.54, then leukemia cancer mortality has often seen in men more than women. CONCLUSION The mortality rate of leukemia has significantly increased throughout Iran. Associated risk factors with leukemia have headmost identified for their prevention and control. So, future studies to reveal leukemia risk factors among the Iranian population would be crucial in order to control its burden.