Basal cell carcinoma. An epidemiologic study in a defined population

Abstract

Background. The incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in a defined population is unknown. Methods. The incidence of histologically diagnosed cases of BCC in a defined population of a city in southern Sweden was studied. Four %year periods were examined from 1970 to 1986. Cases from 1970 and 1980 were reexamined microscopically. Results. From 1970 to 1986, the age‐standardized incidence of BCC was doubled. BCC was equally common in male and female patients. It was possible to trace another BCC in the medical history of 41% of the patients. The risk of development of BCC increased rapidly with age greater than 55 years. Approximately two‐thirds of the tumors were found in the head and neck region. There was a possible increase in superficial multicentric tumors on the trunk but otherwise an essentially unchanged pattern in type and distribution. Conclusions. The age‐standardized incidence of histologically diagnosed BCC was doubled from 1970 to 1986. The rapid increase should be taken into consideration when planning allocation of medical resources. Copyright © 1992 American Cancer Society