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The 1-year frequency of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC) in Turkey has been estimated and some of the risk factors in the development of skin cancer have been identified, according to study findings published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Researchers in Turkey aimed to explore risk factors in skin cancer development and to discover the 1-year frequency of melanoma and NMSC.
They conducted an observational study of 7396 individuals that included patients of all age groups (0 to >80 years) admitted to a dermatology clinic in Turkey from September 2020 until September 2021 and their relatives. Evaluations were made for drug and vitamin use, chronic diseases, sun protection habits, and sociodemographic traits.
They found an overall frequency of skin cancer of 2.7%; basal cell cancer (BCC) 1.2%, squamous cell cancer (SCC) 1.1%, malignant melanoma (MM) 0.4%, represented with a peak distribution between 61 and 80 years, respectively. Daily consumption of black tea was an observed risk factor for BCC (P =.021), SCC (P =.006), MM (P =.002), and obesity was noted as a risk factor for BCC (P =.005) and MM (P =.008).
Researchers observed body mass index (BMI) under 30 was an independent risk factor for SCC, and history of alcohol use was an independent risk factor for BCC, MM, and SCC.
Protective factors for BCC were noted by researchers in vitamin D (P =.035) and supplemental drugs (P =.007). Daily consumption of coffee was found to be a protective factor for MM (P =.049) and SCC (P <.001).
Researchers detected a statistical relationship between family history of smoking, alcohol use, skin cancer, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia and the development of BCC. They noted that not using sunglasses and sunscreen combined with an active history of remaining outdoors in the sun more than 5 hours per day were statistically greater among patients with BCC, and a similar relationship was found among patients with SCC.
Researchers concluded their study successfully estimates the frequency of melanoma and NMSC and “provides evidence to determine the risk factors and probable protective factors for the development of skin cancers.”
Reference
Ferhatosmanoğlu A, Baykal Selcuk L, Arıca DA, Ersöz Ş, Yaylı S. Frequency of skin cancer and evaluation of risk factors: a hospital-based study from Turkey. J Cosmet Dermatol. Published online September 5, 2022. doi:10.1111/jocd.15355
