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Epidemiology of Keratinocyte Carcinoma

  • Epidemiology (R Dellavalle, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Dermatology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of the Review

The study aimed to provide a synopsis of recent research advances in the epidemiology of keratinocyte carcinoma (KC), with a focus on indoor tanning and known risk factors for other forms of cancer such as cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking.

Recent Findings

The evidence is strong enough to infer that use of ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-emitting indoor tanning devices causes KC. Epidemiologic studies of cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, and menopausal hormone therapy tend to show some suggestion for increased risk of KC but the evidence is not yet strong enough to determine if there is a true etiologic role. Body mass index is clearly inversely associated with KC risk, but this is more likely to be due to lower UVR exposure in overweight and obese individuals than it is due to a true etiologic role.

Summary

The epidemic of KC continues unabated, and the causal role of indoor tanning is contributing to this unfavorable trend in KC incidence rates. Advances in understanding the etiology of KC should not divert attention away from the fact that the primary public health strategy to prevent KC is known: minimize population exposure to UVR from the sun and from UVR-emitting indoor tanning devices, particularly among those with sun-sensitive phenotypes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA

    David M. Perry

  2. Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA

    Virginia Barton & Anthony J. Alberg

  3. Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA

    Anthony J. Alberg

  4. Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Hollings Cancer Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 68 President Street, Room BEB-103S, MSC 955, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA

    Anthony J. Alberg

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  1. David M. Perry
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Correspondence to Anthony J. Alberg.

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Perry, D.M., Barton, V. & Alberg, A.J. Epidemiology of Keratinocyte Carcinoma. Curr Derm Rep 6, 161–168 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13671-017-0185-6

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