Skin cancer in Puerto Rico: a multiannual incidence comparative study

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Dermatology
• Public Health

Background:

• Global skin cancer incidence is rising.
• Previous skin cancer data for Puerto Rico exists for 1974 and 1981.
• A comprehensive update on skin cancer epidemiology in Puerto Rico is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of skin cancer in Puerto Rico for the year 2005.
• To compare 2005 skin cancer data with historical data from Puerto Rico (1974, 1981).
• To compare Puerto Rico's skin cancer rates with those of other countries.

Main Methods:

• Data collected from 21 pathology laboratories across Puerto Rico for January-December 2005.
• Calculated incidence rates and distribution based on cancer type, sex, age, anatomical location, and laterality.
• Analyzed pathology reports to identify main types of skin cancer.

Main Results:

• Recorded 6,568 skin cancer cases in 2005, a rate of 167.9 per 100,000 inhabitants.
• Basal-cell carcinoma was the most prevalent type; incidence increased with age.
• Head and neck were the most common locations, with variations by cancer type and sex.

Conclusions:

• Skin cancer incidence in Puerto Rico has significantly increased compared to previous reports.
• The 2005 data shows a 305% increase in incidence rates since 1974.
• This study offers a thorough epidemiological evaluation of skin cancer in Puerto Rico.