Epidemiology of basal cell carcinoma: scholarly review

• Published in: British journal of dermatology (1951) Vol. 177; no. 2; pp. 359 - 372
• Main Authors: Verkouteren, J.A.C., Ramdas, K.H.R., Wakkee, M., Nijsten, T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Oxford University Press 01.08.2017
• Subjects: Alcohol Drinking - adverse effects; Basal cell carcinoma; Carcinoma, Basal Cell - economics; Carcinoma, Basal Cell - epidemiology; Carcinoma, Basal Cell - prevention & control; Cost of Illness; Decision making; Diet - adverse effects; Environmental Exposure - adverse effects; Genetic Predisposition to Disease - genetics; Germ-Line Mutation - genetics; Global Health; Health Care Costs; Health Priorities; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents - adverse effects; Incidence; Mutation; Mutation - genetics; Papillomavirus Infections - epidemiology; Phenotype; Photosensitizing Agents - adverse effects; Polymorphism, Genetic; Primary Prevention - methods; Radiation, Ionizing; Residence Characteristics; Risk Factors; Secondary Prevention - methods; Skin cancer; Skin Neoplasms - economics; Skin Neoplasms - epidemiology; Skin Neoplasms - prevention & control; Smoking - adverse effects; Ultraviolet radiation; Ultraviolet Rays - adverse effects
• ISSN: 0007-0963; 1365-2133
• DOI: 10.1111/bjd.15321

Summary Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer in white‐skinned individuals with increasing incidence rates worldwide. Patients with BCC place a large burden on healthcare systems, because of the high incidence and the increased risk of synchronous and metachronous BCCs and other ultraviolet radiation (UVR) related skin cancers (i.e. field cancerization). As a result, the disability‐adjusted life years and healthcare costs have risen significantly in recent decades. BCC is a complex disease, in which the interplay between UVR, phenotype (UVR‐sensitive) and genotype (somatic mutations and germline mutations/polymorphisms) fulfils a key role in the aetiopathogenesis. Prevention programmes with continual refinements and improvements could be of major importance in tackling the growing skin cancer problem. To provide the most appropriate BCC care, physicians should engage in shared decision‐making and choose their treatments wisely.