The incidence of basal cell carcinoma in the under-30s in the UK

A M Skellett, J Hafiji, D C Greenberg, K A Wright, N J Levell

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20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND:   Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the commonest cancer in many countries, but the current incidence in young people from the UK is unknown.

AIM: To ascertain a recent incidence of BCC in the under-30 population in the UK. Methods.  Cancer registry data from part of the Eastern Region of the UK was analysed for two periods: 1981-1989 and 1998-2006. Case notes were examined for a cohort of the patients from 1998 to 2006.

RESULTS: The incidence of BCC increased from 0.73 to 1.79 per 100 000 in those aged < 30 years over the study period. More than half (55%) of BCCs were on the head and neck, and the most common histological subtype was superficial BCC (38%).

CONCLUSIONS: The reported incidence of BCC in those aged < 30 years has increased by 145% during this period, corresponding to an average annual increase of 8.53%. This may be partially due to earlier presentation and to increased use of surgical treatments.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)227-229
Number of pages3
JournalClinical and Experimental Dermatology
Volume37
Issue number3
Early online date23 Dec 2011
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2012

Keywords

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Basal Cell Carcinoma
  • Child
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Skin Neoplasms
  • Young Adult
  • Article

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