# Trends in urinary tract cancer incidence in Golestan province, Iran: a 16-year population-based study

## TL;DR

This study examines rising rates of bladder and kidney cancers in Golestan province, Iran, over 16 years and highlights higher risks for men and urban residents.

## Contribution

The study provides population-based evidence of increasing urinary tract cancer incidence in Golestan province, Iran, with sex and urban-rural disparities.

## Key findings

- Bladder cancer incidence was higher in men (9.46 per 100,000) than women (2.52 per 100,000).
- Kidney cancer rates increased by 3.68% annually in Golestan province.
- Urban areas had higher UTC incidence compared to rural regions.

## Abstract

Urinary tract cancers (UTC), particularly bladder and kidney cancers, are associated with high mortality rates globally. In Iran, and specifically in Golestan province, an increasing trend in the incidence of these cancers has been reported. This study aims to analyze cancer trends and inform health policy planning to reduce the burden of these diseases in Golestan.

Data was collected from the Golestan Population-Based Cancer Registry (GPCR) covering cases of UTC, particularly kidney and bladder cancer from 2004 to 2019. Crude and age-standardized rates (ASR) of kidney and bladder cancers were calculated and presented per 100,000 person-years. Estimated annual percent changes (EAPC) of the ASRs were calculated to investigate time trends in incidence rates.

The ASR for kidney cancer was 2.32 per 100,000, with rates of 2.75 for men and 1.91 for women. Bladder cancer had an ASR of 5.93, with 9.46 in men and 2.52 in women. Urban populations experienced higher incidence rates as 2.71 for kidney cancer and 7.01 for bladder cancer versus 1.87 and 4.80 in rural areas, respectively. The estimated annual percentage change in incidence was 3.68% for kidney and 1.56% for bladder cancer.

Our findings suggest high rates and increasing trends in incidence of kidney and bladder cancers in Golestan. The study indicates higher kidney and bladder cancer rates in men and urban residents. Further investigations are warranted to assess the effects of risk factors like smoking, opioid drug use and agricultural factors on incidence of urinary tract cancers in this population.