Changes in the Incidence of Skin Cancer Between 1978 and 2002

Abstract

Background Ultraviolet radiation is the main risk factor for skin cancer. Changes in lifestyle over recent decades have led to greater exposure to ultraviolet radiation; this phenomenon, coupled with aging of the population, increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Our objective was to analyze the trends in the incidence of skin cancer worldwide, in Europe, and in Spain during the period 1978 to 2002. Material and methods Both skin cancer incidence and trends were investigated during the period 1978 to 2002 using the publication Cancer Incidence in Five Continents. Results The incidence of cutaneous melanoma increased progressively throughout the period, with higher rates among women. The highest incidence was found in Australia. In Spain, the standardized rates of melanoma had tripled in both sexes by the end of the study period. The incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) increased throughout the study period, with higher rates among men. The highest incidences were found in Australia, Brazil, and among the European inhabitants of Zimbabwe. Within Spain, the standardized rates of NMSC doubled or tripled in both sexes by the end of the study period. Conclusion The rise in the incidence of skin cancer leads us to conclude that measures of primary prevention are failing or insufficient, or that it is still too soon to evaluate their efficacy. There are certain limitations to this study, such as the fact that it was imposible to analyze the most recent period, from 2003 to 2007, and that cancer registries are not available for all populations.