Incidence of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Has Increased 250%
Incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) has increased by over 250%, according to a recent study. Incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has also increased over time, although to a lesser extent.
Findings were presented at the 2017 American Academy of Dermatology Summer Meeting, which is taking place in New York, NY, from July 27-30, 2017.1
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In their study, the researchers evaluated the medical records of a patient cohort diagnosed with nonmelanoma skin cancer between January 2, 2000, and December 31, 2010. Incidence rates were calculated and adjusted according to age and sex, and were compared with estimates from previous time periods.
Results showed that the age-adjusted incidence of BCC was 360.0 cases per 100,000 person-years in men and 292.9 in women, and the age adjusted incidence of cSCC was 207.5 cases per 100,000 person-years in men and 128.8 in women.
The researchers found that incidence of both BCC and cSCC increased from the period 1976 to 1984 to the period 2000 to 2010. The age- and sex-adjusted incidence of BCC increased from 222.0 cases per 100,000 person-years to 321.2, and the incidence of cSCC increased from from 61.8 cases per 100,000 person-years to 162.5. The anatomical distribution of BCC shifted from the head and neck to the torso over time, while the anatomical distribution of cSCC shifted from the head and neck to the extremities.
“The incidences of BCC and cSCC are increasing, with a disproportionate increase in cSCC relative to BCC,” the researchers concluded. “There is also a disproportionate increase in the incidence of both tumors in women, as well as a shift of anatomical distributions.”2
—Christina Vogt
Reference:
1. To detect skin cancer early, be alert for any suspicious spots [press release]. New York, NY. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/squamous-cell-carcinoma. Accessed July 27, 2017.
2. Muzic JG, Schmitt AR, Wright AC, et al. Incidence and trends of basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a population-based study in Olmstead County, Minnesota, 2000-2010. Mayo Clin Proc. 2017;92(6):890-898. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.02.015.