Objective: We aimed at determining the geographical distribution of gastric cancer in north of Iran, as hot zone area regarding this disease.
Patients and Methods: In current cross-sectional design we collected 1232 participants via convenient sampling method from pathology centres all over Mazandaran province between 2008-2012. Accordingly, obtained data were checked by Health Center with respect to proper coding, missing demographic information and rulling out repeated cases.
Results: According to the results of current study, 1232 patients with gastric cancer were identified. With respect to year, in 2008 number of patients was 246 cases (20%), 293 (23.8%) in 2009, 247 (20%) in 2010, 240 (19.5%) in 2011 and 206 (16.7%) in 2012. There were 817 (66.3%) men and 415 (33.7%) women and a sex ratio of 1.96. The mean age of the patients was 65.9±15.3 years (CI 95%: 65.1-66.8). The mean age was statistically significant difference between men (66.8±15.2) and women (64.2±15.5) (p=0.006). The highest frequency of cancer was found in Sari (584 patients), after Sari highest frequency was observed in Ghaemshahr (197), Tonekabon (118) and patients in Amol (91).
Conclusions: It is appears plausible that Mazandaran Province can be considered as hot zone area with respect to pathogenesis of gastric cancer and further study should be conducted in order to minimize the risk factors leading to this disease.