Incidence and Trends of Basal Cell Carcinoma and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Population-Based Study in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 2000 to 2010

Abstract

Objective: To determine population-based incidence estimates of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).

Patients and methods: We reviewed the medical records of a population-based cohort diagnosed with nonmelanoma skin cancer between January 2, 2000, and December 31, 2010. The age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates were calculated and compared with estimates from previous periods.

Results: The age-adjusted BCC incidence (cases per 100,000 person-years) was 360.0 (95% CI, 342.5-377.4) in men and 292.9 (95% CI, 278.6-307.1) in women. The age-adjusted cSCC incidence (cases per 100,000 person-years) was 207.5 (95% CI, 193.9-221.1) in men and 128.8 (95% CI, 119.4-138.2) in women. From years 1976 to 1984 to years 2000 to 2010, the age- and sex-adjusted incidence (cases per 100,000 person-years) of BCC increased from 222.0 (95% CI, 204.5-239.5) to 321.2 (95% CI, 310.3-332.2) and that of cSCC from 61.8 (95% CI, 52.3-71.4) to 162.5 (95% CI, 154.6-170.3). Over time, the anatomical distribution of BCC shifted from the head and neck to the torso and that of cSCC shifted from the head and neck to the extremities.

Conclusion: The incidences of BCC and cSCC are increasing, with a disproportionate increase in cSCC relative to BCC. There is also a disproportionate increase in the incidence of both tumors in women, as well as a shift of anatomical distributions.