Childhood cancer in Southern Iran

Three hundred twenty-eight cases of histologically confirmed malignant childhood neoplasms diagnosed at Pahlavi University-affiliated hospitals, covering the Fars Province, Southern Iran from January 1, 1963 to December 31, 1971 were reviewed. The age-, sex-, and site-specific incidence rates were compared to those of Denmark and Sweden. The five commonest childhood cancers in our region were: leukemias, nodal lymphomas, and bone, soft part, and ocular neoplasms, in that order. Our incidence rates for cancers of salivary glands, nasopharynx, nasal cavities and sinuses, small bowel, and lymphomas in both sexes generally exceeded those of Denmark and Sweden. The most persistent difference in incidence rate was noted in lymphomas. Soft part sarcomas and esophageal carcinoma in males also showed a higher incidence in our region. The significance of these findings is discussed.