Incident diagnoses of non-melanoma skin cancer, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2005-2014

From 1 January 2005 through 31 December 2014, a total of 8,819 incident diagnoses of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) (incidence rate 64.6 cases per 100,000 person-years [p-yrs]) were documented in the health records of 6,670 active component service members. During the surveillance period, there was a very slight decrease in the annual crude incidence rates of NMSC; rates of NMSC peaked in 2007 (68.3 cases per 100,000 p-yrs) and were at their lowest in 2013 (60.4 cases per 100,000 p-yrs). Increasing age was associated with increased risk of NMSC. White, non-Hispanic service members had a much higher rate of NMSC compared to those of other race/ethnicity groups. Female service members had a slightly lower rate of NMSC compared to male service members. Rates were elevated for officers and higher ranks compared to enlisted and lower ranks and were highest for Air Force members and lowest for Marine Corps members. Rates were highest for service members associated with air travel (fixed-wing pilots, helicopter pilots, and air crew) and lowest for those in armor/motor transport. Because exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the major risk factor for NMSC, personal protective measures such as wearing proper clothing, decreasing time in direct sunlight, and using sunscreen are prudent.