Modifiable Risk-factors for Keratinocyte Cancers in Australia: A Case-control Study
Lina Maria Serna-Higuita1, Simone L Harrison, Petra Buttner
1Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biostatistics, University Hospital Tübingen, DE-72076 Tübingen, Germany.
Acta Dermato-Venereologica
|December 15, 2018
Summary
Freckling, sunburn susceptibility, and high cumulative sun exposure are key risk factors for keratinocyte cancers like squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Protective measures like hats and sunscreen showed no significant risk reduction in this Australian study.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Keratinocyte cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), is the most prevalent malignancy among Caucasian populations.
- Understanding the specific risk factors is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent risk factors associated with the development of keratinocyte cancer in Australia.
- To evaluate the efficacy of common sun protection measures in mitigating this risk.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed.
- The study included 112 cases of SCC, 95 cases of BCC, and 122 control participants.
- Statistical analysis, including odds ratios (OR), was used to assess the significance of various risk factors.
Main Results:
- Freckling during adolescence was identified as a significant risk factor for both SCC (OR 1.04) and BCC (OR 1.05).
- A propensity to sunburn (SCC: OR 2.75; BCC: OR 2.68) and high cumulative sun exposure (SCC: OR 2.43; BCC: OR 2.36) were independent risk factors for both cancer types.
- Wearing hats, long-sleeved shirts, and sunscreen did not demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in keratinocyte cancer risk within this study cohort.
Conclusions:
- A sun-sensitive phenotype and cumulative excessive sun exposure are confirmed as significant contributors to keratinocyte cancer risk.
- The findings underscore the importance of understanding individual susceptibility and long-term sun exposure patterns.
- Further research may be needed to explore the effectiveness of different sun protection strategies or identify novel preventive measures.
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