skin cancer incidence trend in isfahan province, iran, during 2004-2008

background : skin cancer is the most common malignancy in the world. thus, the aim of this study was to determine the incidence trend of skin cancer in isfahan province, iran. methods: the present cross-sectional study was conducted using data registered during 2004-2008 in the disease management center and cancer registry system of the ministry of health and medical education. the trend of skin cancer incidence in both sexes was analyzed using the cochran–mantel–haenszel test. findings: age-standardized incidence among men and women was 28.4 and 18.3 per 100,000 in 2004 and 30.8 and 18.9 per 100,000 in 2008, respectively. relative incidence of skin cancer was 1.08 and 1.03 in the year 2008 compared to 2004 in men and women, respectively. during the study period, the highest specific incidence rate was observed in the age group of 84-80 years in both men and women. results of the cochran–mantel–haenszel test revealed that the incidence trend during 2004-2008 among men (p = 0.065) and women (p = 0.49) was not statistically significant. conclusion: although the trend of skin cancer incidence in isfahan province was not significant, the rate increased over the years and it was nearly two fold in men compared with women. as a result, it seems necessary to train at risk individuals to use protective equipment against the sun's ultra violet rays and further research is needed on its risk factors.