Spatial Analysis of Brain and Other CNS Cancers Incidence in Iraq During 2000-2015

Abstract

Brain and other CNS cancers have evidenced increase in Iraq over the study period (2000-2015). Spatial variation of brain and CNS cancers in Iraq at the district level has not been explored. This study aimed to explore the spatial patterns of the Age-Standardized Incidence Rates (ASIRs) of brain and CNS cancers throughout Iraq (except Kurdish region) during 2000-2015 using spatial autocorrelation analyses. Data were obtained from the Iraqi Cancer Registry. The ASIRs were calculated according to geographical region (provinces and districts) for each period (2000-2004, 2005- 2009, and 2010-2015). spatial statistical tools were employed to evaluate hotspots, cold spots, spatial clustering and outliers for each period. Results showed a spatial correlation with hotspots, cold spots, and detecting spatial outliers. This study identified 7 districts as high-risk areas for brain and CNS cancers during 2010-2015, including Al-Sadir, Al-Kadhimiyah, Adhamia, Al-Karkh, Al-Rissafa, and Al-Madain districts in Baghdad province) and southern region (Abu-Al-Khaseeb district in Al-Basrah provinces, and we have evidenced an increase of brain and CNS cancers incidence rates during 2010-2015. The government efforts should focus on those regions, and the factors related to the spatial pattern of the brain and CNS cancers incidence in Iraq should be investigated.