The Danish Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Dermatology Database

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common malignancy in Western countries, posing significant public health challenges.
• High-quality epidemiological and treatment data for NMSC are scarce, hindering effective management and cost control.
• The Danish Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Dermatology Database was established in 2008 to address this data gap.

Approach:

• The database prospectively collects data from Danish dermatologists on patients diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma, Bowen's disease, and keratoacanthoma.
• Key variables include clinical and histological diagnoses, tumor characteristics, patient history, and treatment modalities.
• Follow-up data at 3 and 12 months capture recurrence, cosmetic outcomes, and complications.

Key Points:

• In 2014, the database registered 11,522 patients and 17,575 tumors, with BCCs comprising the majority (13,571).
• Detailed information on tumor type, prognostic factors, treatment, and outcomes is systematically recorded.
• The database facilitates comprehensive analysis of NMSC patient care.

Conclusions:

• The Danish NMSC database provides robust data for continuous quality assurance in dermatological clinics.
• The collected data indicate a high overall quality of care for NMSC patients in Denmark.
• This resource is crucial for improving NMSC treatment strategies and public health management.