Background: Cancer in the elderly is rising increasingly. According to the population structure in Iran, it is necessary to conduct a study to examine the epidemiology and trends in cancer incidence in the elderly in Iran. So, the aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology and trends in cancer incidence in Iranian elderly from 2003 to 2009.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted by analyzing existing data obtained from the National Cancer Registry System in Iran. In this stucly, all records of elderly cancer cases in Iran during 2003 to 2009 were investigated. The age- specific incidence rates of reported cases were estimated by using direct standardization method and the world standard population. We used Cochrane Armitage Test for linear trend by Winpepi software to study the trends in cancer incidence.

Results: stuolying statistics of Cancer Registry center shows that the incidence of cancer increases with age and most cases of cancer occur commonly in elderly people (aged over 60), so that, the highest number of cancer cases diagnosed in people aged 80-84, but it decreases after the age of 85. The most common cancer among the elders, in this period (2003-2009), was the skin cancer. Also, according to the statistics, cancers are more prevalent among older men than older women.

Conclusion: with due attention to the results, the trend of incidence of cancer and its various types in the elders is increasing with age. The implementation of screening programs and necessary trainings in the field of early detection and the avoidance of exposure to risk factors to reduce the risk of cancer in Iranian elderly can be useful.