Evaluation of Actinic Keratosis as a Risk Factor for Subsequent Nonskin Cancer Risk

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common precancerous skin lesion resulting from chronic sun exposure.
• Immunosuppression is a known risk factor for both AK and various cancers.
• The potential link between AK and subsequent nonskin cancers requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between a diagnosis of actinic keratosis (AK) and the subsequent incidence of nonskin cancers.
• To evaluate if AK serves as a predictor for developing other types of cancer.
• To assess cancer risk stratification in patients with AK.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case-control study design.
• Inclusion of 53,778 patients diagnosed with AK and 152,896 controls within a large healthcare system.
• Statistical adjustment for demographic, clinical, behavioral, and healthcare utilization factors.

Main Results:

• Actinic keratosis (AK) was more common in males.
• No overall increased risk for nonskin cancers was found in patients with AK (aHR=0.99, 95% CI=0.95-1.02).
• Significant associations were observed between AK and increased risk for breast cancer (aHR=1.11, 95% CI=1.03-1.19) and prostate cancer (aHR=1.14, 95% CI=1.03-1.26).

Conclusions:

• Actinic keratosis (AK) may serve as a predictive marker for subsequent cancer risk.
• Individuals with AK show a notable increased risk for developing breast and prostate cancers.
• Enhanced surveillance for breast and prostate cancers is recommended for patients diagnosed with AK.