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Objective: To estimate the prevalence and clinical spectrum of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a young population and evaluate the risk factors., Methods: This cross-sectional study using a reliable and valid questionnaire was performed during June and July 2005, on randomized selection of 620 students form Azad University of Tabriz. Gastroesophageal reflux disease was defined as at least weekly heartburn and/or acid regurgitation., Results: Mean age (+/- SD) of the responders was 22.48 +/- 1.98 years. The prevalence of heartburn and/or acid regurgitation experienced at least weekly was 6.3% and monthly was 13%. The severity of symptoms was mainly of a mild to moderate degree. There was no difference in prevalence of any GERD symptom between 2 genders and it was not associated with age of the study population. A frequent symptom of GERD was reported more among subjects with atypical symptoms. There was no relation between marriage status and prevalence of GERD. On the other hand, GERD was less common among subjects with no family history of upper gastrointestinal disease and students in higher rank fields. Increased body mass index (but no recent weight gain or lose) and drinking coffee and tea was associated with higher prevalence of GERD symptoms., Conclusion: This study as the first study using a valid questionnaire reveals a high prevalence of frequent GERD symptoms in a young population of Tabriz. Atypical symptoms should be considered in this area.

Background and Aims: Regardless of the fact that neoplasms of the GI tract have been reported as the most common fatal cancers in east Azerbaijan, there is a serious lack of population based studies in this region. The aim of this pathology-based cancer registry report is to document epidemiologic aspects of gastrointestinal tract cancers in East Azerbaijan for further medical programs for treatment and screening of high-risk groups and study changes over time., Methods: A survey team reviewed and collected all records of cancer cases from all referral and valid pathology laboratories, hospitals and out patient public and private clinics of East Azerbaijan province during a five year period (September 1999 to 2004)., Results: 5,417 new cases of histologically confirmed GI tract cancers were registered, 61.7% of the subjects being male. The mean (+/- SD) ages were 63.25+/-12.79 and 59.45+/-13.39 yr for men and women, respectively . Gastric cancer was the most common GI tract cancer with an annual ASR of 21.3 per 10(5) for males and 8.2 for females . The annual ASRs for esophagus and colorectal cancers were 9.4 and 6 in males and 7.1 and 9.2 in females. Gastric cancer was significantly more common among men although women were more likely to develop cancer in younger age. Some 14% of our subjects with colorectal cancer were under the age of 40., Conclusion: This first report from East Azarbaijan, suggests a need for further evaluations to map out the risk factors and interventions.