Epidemiological indices of non-melanoma skin cancers in Kermanshah, Iran

Objective To obtain more accurate epidemiological data of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC). Patients and methods This descriptive and analytical study was conducted amongst 133 patients pathologically documented as NMSC at Hajdaie Dermatological Clinic in Kermanshah, Iran, during 2009-10. In addition, specific findings such as type, location and number of the lesions, associated and underlying disorders were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16. Chi-square was used to compare the qualitative data. P-value 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 133 patients with 235 lesions, and their age ranging between 25 and 97 years were enrolled in this study. The ratio of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was 7.3/1. NMSC are mostly seen as facial solitary lesions in outdoor workers and the people with moderate brown skin. However, no difference was found in its prevalence between males and females or residents of urban and rural areas. Familial and personal history and host susceptibility played no important role in our patients either (P value 0.05). Solar keratosis was the most common associated skin lesion. Conclusion NMSC was seen slightly more common in males. BCC was considerably more common than SCC in this study. All obtained indices were practically consistent with previous reports. Besides, ultraviolet light was still the most important factor for NMSC induction in our area