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Updated: May 26, 2026

Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis
06:53

Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis

Published on: August 21, 2013

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

A M Skellett1, J Hafiji, D C Greenberg

  • 1Dermatology Department, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK. anne.skellett@nnuh.nhs.uk

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
|January 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

The incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in young UK adults has significantly increased by 145% between 1981-2006. This rise in BCC may be linked to earlier detection and increased surgical interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Oncology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent cancer globally.
  • Limited data exists on BCC incidence among young populations in the UK.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the recent incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in individuals under 30 years old in the UK.
  • To analyze trends in BCC occurrence within this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of UK cancer registry data from the Eastern Region for 1981-1989 and 1998-2006.
  • Review of case notes for a patient cohort from 1998-2006.

Main Results:

  • BCC incidence in those under 30 increased from 0.73 to 1.79 per 100,000.
  • Over half (55%) of BCCs occurred on the head and neck.
  • Superficial BCC was the most common histological subtype (38%).

Conclusions:

  • A 145% increase in BCC incidence was observed in individuals under 30 between the study periods.
  • This represents an average annual increase of 8.53%.
  • Earlier presentation and increased surgical treatment may contribute to the rising incidence.
Abstract

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