| چکیده | Background: In Iran, gastric cancer (GC) constitutes the first and third most prevalent cancer among males and females, respectively. The aim of this study was to investigate the spatial and temporal patterns of gastric cancer, determine high risk areas, and improve case management and resource allocation. Methods: We used Bayesian hierarchical space-time model to measure the relative risk and trends of gastric cancer in Iran from 2005 to 2010. Also, GC risk factors were assessed in ecological framework. Results: There was a significant decreasing overall trend during this period. Ardebil, Khorasan Razavi, West Azarbaijan, Zanjan and Mazandaran provinces had the highest risk of incidence. Overweight and smoking were directly and significantly associated with GC risk. Ten provinces showed a decreasing trend steeper than the overall. Conclusion: During the study period, GC has decreased in Iran. Nevertheless, GC risk was generally high in northern and north-western provinces of Iran. Different health policies are required for each province based on the GC risk and trend. More screening tests are suggested to be conducted in high risk regions along with more frequent epidemiological studies to enact GC prevention programs. |