Smokers versus Smoking: Is There Detection Bias for Keratinocyte Carcinomas?

J Invest Dermatol. 2017 Aug;137(8):1614-1616. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2017.05.002.

Abstract

Dusingize et al. used a prospective observational cohort study to demonstrate a decreased risk of basal cell carcinoma and an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma among smokers. This association disappeared after stratifying for skin screening visits, demonstrating the important role of detection bias. In the absence of randomized clinical trials, well-designed and critically analyzed observational studies can provide similarly valuable evidence.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Keratinocytes / pathology*
  • Risk Assessment*
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Skin Neoplasms* / etiology
  • Skin Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Smoking / adverse effects*