Incidence rate of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions in East Azarbayjan, Iran

Background: Most of deaths from cervical cancer occur in low and medium income countries and opportunistic screening for cervical cancer does not decrease the incidence rate, thus organized mass screening is needed for control of the disease. Methods: Pathology reports of cervical smears, biopsies, endocervical curettings, and hysterectomy specimens were collected from 22 pathology centers in East Azarbayjan during 2003–2004. Incidence rates for low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and cervical carcinoma were calculated by (Incidence/Population at risk) ×100 000. At risk population for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) (between 18 and 64 years old) and invasive carcinoma of the cervix (between 30 and 64 years old) were 1 103 109 and 537 217 respectively. Result: The adjusted incidence rates for LSIL, HSIL and cervical carcinoma were 3.68, 1.19 and 5.11 per 100 000 women at risk, respectively. Conclusion: In contrast to developed countries we identified a higher incidence rate of cervical invasive cancers than preinvasive lesions, therefore, the importance and necessity of well organized mass screening in our country must be emphasized.