Prevalence Of Basal Cell Carcinoma Research Articles

The Prevalence of Cancer in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who were Under Treatment with Natalizumab (Tysabri): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To determine the pooled prevalence of cancer in subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS) who received Natalizumab. Two researchers systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, google scholar, and gray literature including references of the included studies. The search strategy which was used in PubMed was ("Disseminated Sclerosis" OR "multiple sclerosis" OR "MS" OR "Acute Fulminating") AND ("Cancer" OR "Neoplasia*" OR "Neoplasm*" OR "Tumor*" OR "Malignancy" OR "Benign Neoplasm" OR "Malignant neoplasm") AND ("Tysabri" OR "Antegren" OR "natalizumab" OR "Modifying Therapy"). Results: We found 1,993 articles by literature search, and 1,573 studies remained after removing duplicate studies. For metaanalysis, we used the extracted data of eight studies. The pooled prevalence of cancer in patients who received Natalizumab was 2% (95%CI: 1-3%; I2: 99.4%, P < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of basal cell carcinoma in patients with cancer was 12% (95%CI: 5-20%; I2:50.3%, P = 0.13). The main finding of this systematic review and metaanalysis is that the pooled prevalence of cancer in subjects who suffer from MS and received natalizumab was 2%.

Diagnostic Value of Optical Coherence Tomography Image Features for Diagnosis of Basal Cell Carcinoma.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive diagnostic method. Numerous morphological OCT features have been described for diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of established OCT features and to explore whether the use of a small set of OCT features enables accurate discrimination between BCC and non-BCC lesions and between BCC subtypes. For each lesion, the presence or absence of specific OCT features was recorded. Histopathology was used as a gold standard. Diagnostic parameters were calculated for each OCT feature, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the loss in discriminative ability when using a small subset of OCT features instead of all features that are characteristic for BCC according to the literature. The results show that the use of a limited number of OCT features allows for good discrimination of superficial BCC from nonsuperficial BCC and non-BCC lesions. The prevalence of BCC was 75.3% (225/299) and the proposed diagnostic algorithm enabled detection of 97.8% of BCC lesions (220/225). Subtyping without the need for biopsy was possible in 132 of 299 patients (44%), with a predictive value for presence of superficial BCC of 84.3% vs 98.8% for presence of non-superficial BCC.

Analysis of Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma according to Nasal Subunit Location.

The nose is highly vulnerable to skin cancers due to the unavoidable sun exposure. The most common localization of skin cancers on the face is nose. Although the nose appears to be a single structure, it comprises many aesthetic units with different histological and anatomical properties. Our aim was to determine the relationship between the prevalence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), histologically and anatomically distinct nasal subunits. The study included patients who underwent excision and repair due to BCC or SCC of the nose. The lesions were classified according to their location in the following topographic subunits: tip, alar lobule, dorsum, sidewall, and medial canthal region. Patients were analyzed according to age, sex, topographic subunit, tumor type, and repair technique. There was no statistically significant difference in tumor location according to etiology (p > 0.05). The alar subunit was the most common location of BCC, while the dorsum was the most common location for SCC. There is no statistical relationship between the two most common skin cancers, BCC and SCC, and the aesthetic subunits of the nose. The only factor associated with the reconstruction method used was the subunit in which the tumor was located.

Опыт применения лучевой терапии в комбинированном лечении базальноклеточного рака кожи затылочной области с метастазом в регионарный лимфатический узел

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer of the skin, it accounts for 75-97% of all skin tumors. Nowadays, there is a wide range of local treatment options for BCC. The disease frequently occurs in the head and neck region. Because BCC tends to recur, it is necessary to find the most effective treatment option for the disease with account of cosmetic results. Although the BCC prevalence is rather high, metastatic disease occurs rarely (0,008-0,55%). Maybe it is the reason for lack of recurrent BCC patients management algorithm in the current clinical guide-lines. The article presents the report of clinical observations on the development, treatment and outcomes of recurrent BCC in the occipital region with cervical lymph node metastasis. Neck lymph nodes were treated with two-phase conventionally fractionated radiotherapy to the total dose of 60 Gy. For treatment of recurrent BCC in the occipital region we performed a course of external beam radiation therapy to the total dose of 66 Gy followed by the 6 month targeted ther-apy with the SMO inhibitor vismodegib (a smoothened transmembrane protein). There was no evidence of disease recurrence 11 months after the therapy completion. Radiotherapy in combi-nation with targeted therapy was shown to be highly effective and safe treatment of recurrent, lo-cally advanced BCC in the head and neck with regional lymph node metastases. The used method seems to be a reasonable alternative approach to the treatment of BCC when other con-servative therapy options have been exhausted and surgical therapy is not possible.

Basal cell carcinoma of eyelid

Abstract A 55 year male patient presented with progressive growth over left lower eyelid measuring 1.5 x 1 cm. The local examination showed ulceroproliferative growth with irregular margins and everted edges. On histopathological examination diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma of lower eyelid. We are presenting this case for its clinical manifestations and histopathological findings. Keywords: Eyelid tumor, Basal cell carcinoma, Pigment. Introduction The prevalence of Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is on rise and it is estimated that every year there is increase in cases by 10% and the lifetime risk or developing BCC is around 30%.[1][2]The various malignant tumours arising from eyelids were reported, BCC accounts for 80 -90% of all malignant lid tumours.[3] The tumours show high rate of recurrence which is mostly related to incomplete surgical resection and involves most of the eye socket and intracranial extension.[4],[5]Histopathological subtype plays an important role in progress of disease. In our case it showed nodular type of BCC. We have studied its clinical behavior and progress. Case Presentation A 55 year old male farmer by occupation presented to plastic surgery unit with complaint of growth over left eyelid of 6 month duration. The growth was measuring 1.5x 1cm with irregular margins, everted edges. The base was formed by a dark brown exudate with areas of blackish incrustation. The surrounding periorbital area shows swelling and oedema. No evidence of any palpable neck nodes. Wide excision of lower lid swelling was done and tissue was sent for histopathology examination. We received the excised specimen of ulceroproliferative growth of lower eye lid totally measuring 2.2 x 1.8x 0.6cm. The growth measured 1.7x 1x 0.4 cm which was grey white, firm. Areas of focal hemorrhages and blackish discoloration was noted (Fig. 1). The surgical margins appear free from growth. Microscopy showed epithelial neoplasm invading deeper tissue (Fig. 2) Th

Visual inspection and dermoscopy, alone or in combination, for diagnosing keratinocyte skin cancers in adults.

Visual inspection and dermoscopy, alone or in combination, for diagnosing keratinocyte skin cancers in adults.

Optical coherence tomography for diagnosing skin cancer in adults.

Early accurate detection of all skin cancer types is essential to guide appropriate management and to improve morbidity and survival. Melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are high-risk skin cancers, which have the potential to metastasise and ultimately lead to death, whereas basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is usually localised, with potential to infiltrate and damage surrounding tissue. Anxiety around missing early cases needs to be balanced against inappropriate referral and unnecessary excision of benign lesions. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a microscopic imaging technique, which magnifies the surface of a skin lesion using near-infrared light. Used in conjunction with clinical or dermoscopic examination of suspected skin cancer, or both, OCT may offer additional diagnostic information compared to other technologies. To determine the diagnostic accuracy of OCT for the detection of cutaneous invasive melanoma and atypical intraepidermal melanocytic variants, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in adults. We undertook a comprehensive search of the following databases from inception up to August 2016: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; MEDLINE; Embase; CINAHL; CPCI; Zetoc; Science Citation Index; US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register; NIHR Clinical Research Network Portfolio Database; and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. We studied reference lists and published systematic review articles. We included studies of any design evaluating OCT in adults with lesions suspicious for invasive melanoma and atypical intraepidermal melanocytic variants, BCC or cSCC, compared with a reference standard of histological confirmation or clinical follow-up. Two review authors independently extracted data using a standardised data extraction and quality assessment form (based on QUADAS-2). Our unit of analysis was lesions. Where possible, we estimated summary sensitivities and specificities using the bivariate hierarchical model. We included five studies with 529 cutaneous lesions (282 malignant lesions) providing nine datasets for OCT, two for visual inspection alone, and two for visual inspection plus dermoscopy. Studies were of moderate to unclear quality, using data-driven thresholds for test positivity and giving poor accounts of reference standard interpretation and blinding. Studies may not have been representative of populations eligible for OCT in practice, for example due to high disease prevalence in study populations, and may not have reflected how OCT is used in practice, for example by using previously acquired OCT images.It was not possible to make summary statements regarding accuracy of detection of melanoma or of cSCC because of the paucity of studies, small sample sizes, and for melanoma differences in the OCT technologies used (high-definition versus conventional resolution OCT), and differences in the degree of testing performed prior to OCT (i.e. visual inspection alone or visual inspection plus dermoscopy).Pooled data from two studies using conventional swept-source OCT alongside visual inspection and dermoscopy for the detection of BCC estimated the sensitivity of OCT as 95% (95% confidence interval (CI) 91% to 97%) and specificity of 77% (95% CI 69% to 83%).When applied to a hypothetical population of 1000 lesions at the mean observed BCC prevalence of 60%, OCT would miss 31 BCCs (91 fewer than would be missed by visual inspection alone and 53 fewer than would be missed by visual inspection plus dermoscopy), and OCT would lead to 93 false-positive results for BCC (a reduction in unnecessary excisions of 159 compared to using visual inspection alone and of 87 compared to visual inspection plus dermoscopy). Insufficient data are available on the use of OCT for the detection of melanoma or cSCC. Initial data suggest conventional OCT may have a role for the diagnosis of BCC in clinically challenging lesions, with our meta-analysis showing a higher sensitivity and higher specificity when compared to visual inspection plus dermoscopy. However, the small number of studies and varying methodological quality means implications to guide practice cannot currently be drawn.Appropriately designed prospective comparative studies are required, given the paucity of data comparing OCT with dermoscopy and other similar diagnostic aids such as reflectance confocal microscopy.

Exfoliative cytology for diagnosing basal cell carcinoma and other skin cancers in adults.

Exfoliative cytology for diagnosing basal cell carcinoma and other skin cancers in adults.

Incidence and prevalence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and locally advanced BCC (LABCC) in a large commercially insured population in the United States: A retrospective cohort study

Accurate evaluation of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in the United States was not possible before the 2011 release of BCC-specific International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. We sought to describe BCC (including locally advanced BCC [LABCC]) incidence/prevalence and the characteristics of patients in a commercially insured US population. This retrospective cohort study used Truven Health MarketScan database insurance claims. Patients, aged 18years or older with 2 or more BCC claims at least 30days apart from October 1, 2011, to September 30, 2012, were continuously enrolled in medical and pharmacy benefits for 12months before and after the index claim. A specific algorithm was used to classify patients with LABCC. A total of 56,987 patients with BCC were identified (39,035 incident cases; 17,952 prevalent cases). Age-adjusted BCC incidence and prevalence were 226.09 and 342.64 per 100,000 persons, respectively. These values project to 542,782 patients (incidence) and 822,593 patients (prevalence) in the 2012 US population. LABCC was uncommon (471 cases identified; projected US incidence and prevalence: 4399 and 7940 patients, respectively). Use of medical claims data and retrospective analysis are limitations. In a study designed to distinguish patients with LABCC from the general BCC population based on BCC-specific International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes, 0.8% were found to have LABCC, the majority having pre-existing disease.

Prise en charge des carcinomes des paupières : étude bicentrique rétrospective sur 64 cas avec revue de littérature

To study the epidemiologic, clinical and histological aspects of eyelid carcinomas in our context, and to evaluate our surgical management on an oncological, functional and aesthetic level. This work is a retrospective bicentric study extended over a 5-year period between January 2009 and December 2013, including 64 patients with eyelid carcinoma undergoing surgery in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department at the Avicenne University Hospital of Rabat and in the ENT/Head and Neck Surgery Department at the Hassan II University Hospital of Fez. The study included 25 men and 39 women with a mean age of 60.6 ± 15.33 years. Advanced age and chronic sun exposure were the most important risk factors. The most commonly involved site was the lower eyelid (53%). Histological examination emphasized the very high prevalence of basal cell carcinoma (90.62%). Surgical treatment was performed in all our patients followed by an extemporaneous and/or standard histological examination of the surgical specimen. Exenteration was performed in one patient with adjuvant radiation therapy. Reconstruction incorporated a variety of techniques, of which total skin graft and Mustardé flap were the most common in our series. Aside from a few complications, the postoperative results were satisfactory for the majority of our patients. Malignant tumors of the eyelids, of which basal cell carcinoma is the most common, pose a therapeutic problem where surgery remains the most utilized treatment option. The best treatment is prevention and diagnosis of early lesions to improve prognosis and to avoid worse outcomes.

PCN25 - Incidence And Prevalence Of Basal Cell Carcinoma In A Large United States Commercially Insured Population

PCN25 - Incidence And Prevalence Of Basal Cell Carcinoma In A Large United States Commercially Insured Population

Usefulness of in vivo photodiagnosis for the identification of tumor margins in recurrent basal cell carcinoma of the face.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent malignant tumor of the skin. The high prevalence of BCC, the risk of local recurrence, and the difficult clinical identification of the excision margins emphasize the importance of studying new approaches, ensuring complete surgical excision that allows preservation of normal tissue, especially for BCCs located on cosmetically important areas such as the mid face. Photodiagnosis (PD) is a pre-operative technique that allows a more accurate distinction of neoplastic lesions from surrounding healthy skin in vivo. The aim of this study is to assess the usefulness of PD for the evaluation of tumor margins in 10 patients with recurrent BCC of the face. We study the red fluorescence emitted by neoplastic tissue under a Wood's lamp irradiation, after accumulation of methyl amino levulinate (MAL) cream in 10 patients with recurrent BCC. Our histologic analysis of perilesional skin by PD allowed to delineate more precise tumor margins, thus achieving radical excision in 90% of patients. PD represents a diagnostic method that helps to distinguish between tumor tissue and surrounding healthy tissue especially in case of recurrent BCC of the face when the clinical delimitation is not clear.

Head and neck basal cell carcinoma prevalence in individuals submitted to childhood X-ray epilation for tinea capitis treatment

A higher prevalence for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has been associated with radiation, namely with tinea capitis epilation treatment. To evaluate the prevalence of head and neck basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and to identify the major risk factors for BCC in individuals irradiated in childhood for tinea capitis treatment. We clinically observed 1,308 individuals from an original cohort of 5,356 irradiated between 1950 and 1963, registering previous skin lesions excisions and proposing for surgery all the suspicious lesions detected. In 585 participants, 47 with BCC, the skin pigmentation was measured. The overall prevalence of BCC was 8.0% and of multiple BCC was 2.4%. Both total (14.7%) and multiple BCC (6.6%) were significantly more common in the individuals who had received a higher radiation dose. Multiple BCC was more prevalent (3.7%) in younger irradiated individuals and total BCC (9.4%) in women. Participants with BCC and without BCC presented similar skin pigmentation. Younger age at irradiation, higher dose and female gender increased the risk of developing BCC in these irradiated individuals.

Margin involvement and clinical pattern of basal cell carcinoma with mixed histology

Mixed basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has not been sufficiently and specifically studied. The aim of this study was to estimate in adults the prevalence of mixed cases observed among primary BCCs and to compare clinical and anatomical features of mixed vs. single BCCs, with focus on the incomplete excision. A total of 3636 histologically confirmed primary BCCs were examined. Data on gender, age, histological subtype, anatomical location and margin involvement were collected. Mixed type was defined as a combination of two or more single subtypes. Prevalence of single and mixed BCCs was 82.2% and 17.8% respectively. Prevalence of BCCs on the upper limbs was higher in mixed than single cases (8.8% vs. 4.0%; P<0.001) while prevalence on the back was lower (16.9% vs. 23.7%; P<0.001). Tumour was aggressive in 59.1% of mixed vs. 16.0% of single BCCs (P<0.001). Margin involvement was more prevalent in mixed than in single BCCs (16.7% vs. 9.6%; P<0.0001). At multivariate analysis being mixed vs. single BCC was associated with aggressiveness of tumour (OR=8.5, 95% CI, 6.9-10.4), lateral margin involvement (OR=1.98, 95% CI, 1.42-2.76) and subject being man (OR=1.31, 95% CI, 1.10-1.60) but not with deep involvement of margin or anatomical location. Among BCCs, the mixed type may be observed in adults with relatively high rate and may represent a complex and individual subset of BCCs with potential aggressive behaviour.

Anatomic Location of Basal Cell Carcinomas May Favor Certain Histologic Subtypes

Differences in age, site, and subtype exist in basal cell carcinoma (BCC). To evaluate whether an independent association exists between the anatomic location and the histologic subtype of BCC. A series of 3,254 BCCs was examined. The location was the head/neck (n = 1,766), limbs (n = 362), trunk (n = 1,113), or genitals (n = 13). Subtype was classified as superficial, nodular, micronodular, morpheic-infiltrative, or fibroepithelial. Prevalence of BCCs on the head/neck or chest/abdomen increased with age (p < .001). The prevalence of superficial subtype decreased with age (p < .0001), whereas the prevalence on nodular subtype increased (p < .0001). Subtype was associated with location (p < .0001). The prevalence of superficial subtype was lower among BCCs on the head/neck than other locations (24.9% vs 64.4%, OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.16-0.21). The prevalence of nodular or morpheic/infiltrative subtype was higher among BCCs on the head/neck than other locations, that is, 57.1% versus 29.2%, OR 3.23, 95% CI 2.79 to 3.74 (nodular) and 16.1% versus 4.0%, OR 4.56, 95% CI 3.42 to 6.08 (morpheic/infiltrative). Anatomic location and subtype of BCC were associated with age, but the anatomic location was the only independent predictor of histologic subtype. Although a bias by referral patterns may not be excluded, the results suggest that the anatomic location may favor the development of particular BCC subtypes.

P53 Basal cell carcinoma in the Netherlands: how often do they occur?

Introduction Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is becoming an increasingly important public health issue, because of rapidly increasing incidence rates and their associated costs. The objective of this study was to reliably estimate occurrence of BCC in the Netherlands with data from the Eindhoven Cancer Registry (ECR) in terms of incidence and prevalence. Methods Data on the incidence of first primary BCC were retrieved from the ECR and extrapolated to the Dutch population. The 19-year BCC prevalence was calculated for the years 1990–2008 and predictions for the future were made based on observed rates in the years 2000–2008. Results Extrapolated data showed a total of 444 131 first, histologically confirmed BCC cases in the Netherlands between 1973 and 2008. Age-adjusted incidence rates (European Standard population) more than tripled in this period, rates increased from 40 to 148 per 100 000 in males and from 34 to 141 in females. Life time risk for BCC development was 1 in 5 for men and 1 in 6 for women. Overall BCC prevalence in the Netherlands was 1.4% and in the oldest age group (65 years or more) it was almost four times higher (5.4%). BCC trend predictions for the future showed no signs of flattening or leveling off, illustrating the continuously growing importance of this large, but not frequently studied group of skin malignancies. Conclusion This epidemiological study shows an estimate of size of the absolute and relative numbers of first histologically proven BCCs in the Netherlands from 1973 to 2008. It is the first study to estimate prevalence of BCC in a population-based setting. Almost 1.5% of the population has been diagnosed with BCC and 1 in 5–6 Dutch citizens are expected to be diagnosed with this cancer during their lifetime. These estimates should urge Dutch policymakers to provide solutions, since this growing group of BCC patients are already and will remain a serious healthcare problem in terms of numbers of patients treated and related health care costs.

Anatomic Location and Histopathologic Subtype of Basal Cell Carcinomas in Adults Younger than 40 or 90 and Older

Differences in age, site, and histopathologic subtype exist in basal cell carcinoma (BCC). To compare the distribution of BCCs in patients younger than 40 with that of those aged 90 and older according to sex, site, and subtype. One hundred seventy-five BCCs were examined. The site was classified as head and neck, trunk, or limbs and the subtype as nodular, superficial, or morpheic-infiltrative. Younger exhibited a lower prevalence of BCCs on the head and neck (36.0% vs 57.3%, p<.01) and a higher prevalence on the trunk (59.3% vs 31.5%, p<.01) and of superficial BCCs (43.0% vs 31.5%, p<.05) than older patients. Site was associated with subtype in younger (p<.001) and older (p=.004) patients. Superficial BCCs were mostly on the trunk (p<.001), with a higher prevalence in younger patients (86.5% vs 62.5%, p<.05). Morpheic BCCs were mostly on the head and neck (p<.001), and prevalence did not differ between age groups. Nodular BCCs were mostly on the head and neck in older patients (p=.011). Subtype was independently associated with site (p=.005) but not with age or sex. A different distribution of site and subtype occurs in younger and older patients. Subtype is associated with site independent of age and sex. These findings suggest that, at least in some patients, the anatomic location of BCC may favor the development of a particular subtype.

Non‐melanoma skin cancer in Catalonia. A community‐based prevalence study

Accurate epidemiologic studies of non-melanoma skin cancer in South Europe are nearly absent. Incidence studies based on treated cases are difficult and may overlook asymptomatic tumors. Studying cohorts of populations in order to establish prevalence data are necessary to give realistic impressions of the problem. A population-based cohort of 1000 women was examined for skin cancer. The sample was obtained from women attending a massive campaign of mammography addressing all women aged 50-65 years in the area of Sant Boi de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain. Examination included full body areas, except those covered by underwear or hair, and feet. Nine cases of basal cell carcinoma were histologically confirmed, resulting in a prevalence of 900 cases in 10(5) (95% CI 601; 1198). Five of them were located on the trunk, in non-exposed sites. The prevalence of basal cell carcinoma found in our population is one of the highest reported in Europe. A significant proportion of tumors are on the trunk, suggesting the existence of a high proportion of undetected cases. Similar studies in 5-10-year intervals could aid detection of changing trends in the prevalence of skin cancer in our population.

Melanocortin-1 Receptor Genotype is a Risk Factor for Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma

MC1R gene variants have previously been associated with red hair and fair skin color, moreover skin ultraviolet sensitivity and a strong association with melanoma has been demonstrated for three variant alleles that are active in influencing pigmentation: Arg151Cys, Arg160Trp, and Asp294His. This study has confirmed these pigmentary associations with MC1R genotype in a collection of 220 individuals drawn from the Nambour community in Queensland, Australia, 111 of whom were at high risk and 109 at low risk of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Comparative allele frequencies for nine MC1R variants that have been reported in the Caucasian population were determined for these two groups, and an association between prevalence of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, solar keratosis and the same three active MC1R variant alleles was demonstrated [odds ratio = 3.15 95% CI (1.7, 5.82)]. Three other commonly occurring variant alleles: Val60Leu, Val92Met, and Arg163Gln were identified as having a minimal impact on pigmentation phenotype as well as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma risk. A significant heterozygote effect was demonstrated where individuals carrying a single MC1R variant allele were more likely to have fair and sun sensitive skin as well as carriage of a solar lesion when compared with those individuals with a consensus MC1R genotype. After adjusting for the effects of pigmentation on the association between MC1R variant alleles and basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma risk, the association persisted, confirming that presence of at least one variant allele remains informative in terms of predicting risk for developing a solar-induced skin lesion beyond that information wained through observation of pigmentation phenotype.

Skin cancer screening in Okinawa, Japan

Depletion of the ozone layer has been observed on a global scale. Ozone depletion increases the amount of biologically harmful solar ultraviolet radiation (UV) that reaches the surface of the Earth, leading to an increased incidence of skin cancer. We previously reported the prevalence and incidence of actinic keratosis (AK) in Kasai City, which is located almost at the center of Japan. To evaluate the effects of different ambient annual UV doses on the prevalence and incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer and AK in Japan, we screened for skin cancer on Ie Island in Okinawa at the southern end of Japan, where the annual cumulative dose of UV is assumed to be the highest in Japan. The island had a population of 5562 in 1993. A prospective 4-year population-based study on the prevalence and incidence of cutaneous neoplasms was conducted by examining the sun-exposed skin of people over 40 years of age living on Ie Island. In 1993–1996, 86 cases of AK, nine of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and two of squamous cell carcinoma were identified. The annual prevalence of AK on Ie Island was 1159.4 in 1993, 572.8 in 1994, 1014.3 in 1995 and 988.9 per 100 000 Japanese in 1996. These values were significantly higher than those in Kasai City. The annual age-adjusted odds ratios for AK of Ie Island to Kasai City were 2.79, 1.38, 2.45 and 2.39, respectively. The incidences of AK on Ie Island per 100 000 were 637.0 in 1995 and 625.5 in 1996, which were also significantly higher than those in Kasai City (223.6 in 1993 and 171.2 in 1994). The prevalence of BCC was 123.6 and the incidence was 26.1. Together with our previous reports, the present results show a possible inverse relationship between the prevalence and incidence of AK and latitude among Japanese people.