Abstract
Background: Blood cancers account for a significant proportion of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In this study, hematological cancer mortality in northern Iran was examined during 2013-2021, along with age-adjusted mortality rates.
Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we conducted an analysis of all deaths from hematological neoplasms registered in Babol city between 2013 and 2021. In order to estimate the population, the most recent census data was used. The mortality rates and trends for each hematological malignancy were reported in crude mortality rate (CMR) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR).
Results: In total, 357 deaths (10.8% of all cancer-related deaths) were attributed to hematological neoplasms, with an average age of 61.9±19.3 years. The crude and age-adjusted mortality rates of hematological neoplasms increased from 3.1 and 2.7 per 100000 people in 2013 to 8.1 and 6.9 per 100,000 people in 2021, respectively. Mortality trends of hematological cancers increased with age decade for both sexes (P<0.001). Additionally, when examining the trends of each hematological neoplasm, there was a significant increase in neoplasms including non-Hodgkin lymphoma (P=0.033), multiple myeloma (P=0.002), and leukemia (P<0.001), except for the consistent trend observed in Hodgkin lymphoma (P=0.247).
Conclusion: The trend of hematological malignancies in Babol city is increasing across all age groups and in both sexes. This study emphasizes the need for effective prevention and treatment strategies, including improving access to cancer care, enhancing surveillance in families with blood malignancies and reducing modifiable risk factors. Additionally, further research is warranted to develop targeted interventions.