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

INTRODUCTION

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.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSION

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.