Continued Increase in Incidence of Kidney Cancer in Iran and its 31 Provinces

Background: Kidney cancer in adults includes malignant tumors originating from the parenchyma and pelvis and is the most lethal urogenital cancer. Available data in Iran indicate that the incidence and pattern of this cancer are changing. Objectives: Our study aimed to present an updated incidence rate of kidney cancer in Iran and its 31 provinces and their trends, and climate zones distribution of the disease. Methods: In this study, the age standard incidence rate (ASIR) of kidney cancer based on provinces, age groups, and gender has been calculated using the available data in the national cancer registration system of the Ministry of Health from 2003 to 2016. Results: Overall ASIR of kidney cancer was 1.28 per 100,000 from 2003 to 2016. ASIR of this cancer in men has increased from 0.96 in 2003 to 3.66 in 2016 and similarly, reached from 0.61 in 2003 to 2.24 in 2016 in Iran. Fars, Yazd, Tehran and Isfahan provinces had the highest ASIR in Iran. Hot climate zones are associated with a higher incidence of kidney cancer while moderate climate is linked to lower incidence rates in Iran. Conclusions: Although the incidence rate of kidney cancer in Iran and its provinces is low, the increasing trend is concerning particularly among men. Therefore, it is crucial to develop cost-effective screening tests and implement control and prevention programs in the high-incidence provinces.