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Risk factors for basal cell carcinoma.
1Section of Dermatology, University of Saskatchewan, School of Medicine, Saskatoon.
International Journal of Dermatology
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Farming, childhood freckles, and family history are key risk factors for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Sunburn and certain ancestries also increase BCC risk, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human cancer.
- Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and quantify the association between various suspected risk factors and the incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC).
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 538 BCC patients and 738 matched controls in Saskatchewan.
- Data collected via questionnaires on suspected risk factors.
- Statistical analysis using chi-squared tests and relative risk computation.
Main Results:
- Significant risk factors for BCC included farming (RR 1.29), prominent childhood freckles (RR 1.23), family history of skin cancer (RR 1.22), and sunburn (RR 1.19).
- Other identified risk factors were maternal ancestry (Irish, Scottish, Welsh - RR 1.19), light skin color (RR 1.18), red/blond hair (RR 1.16), and prolonged outdoor work in winter (RR 1.13).
- Individuals with a family history of skin cancer were diagnosed with BCC at a younger average age (63.86 years) compared to those without (67.02 years).
Conclusions:
- Occupational and environmental exposures, genetic predisposition, and phenotypic characteristics are significant contributors to basal cell carcinoma (BCC) risk.
- Early-onset BCC is associated with a positive family history of skin cancer.
- No association was found between BCC and psoriasis.