Geographical distribution of stomach cancer related to heavy metals in Kurdistan, Iran

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the geographical pattern of stomach cancer and its probable link to heavy metal concentration high-risk area of Kurdistan, Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study analyzed the deaths due to cancer over a period of 2006-2010. The data were collected from health deputy of Kurdistan province. Spatial distribution map of cancer was prepared using geographic information system software. Finally, the distribution map of heavy metals that could be related to stomach cancer was provided. Results: The spatial distribution maps of stomach cancer mortality shows that the highest mortality rate for the stomach cancer was identified in Divandareh, Bijar and Saghez cites. These cities have shown high concentration of heavy metals. Overlaying the map of stomach cancer via distribution of heavy metals in mineral deposits shows that lead, arsenic and antimony concentration in the city were higher density and can lead to stomach cancer. Conclusions: This study showed that the death rate related to cancer in men and rural area was higher than women and urban area. In addition, the statistical analysis showed a high correlation between gastric cancer and living in the area with mineral deposit of lead, arsenic and antimony.

Keywords

• Heavy metals
• Kurdistan province
• medical geography
• stomach cancer