Changing trends in non-melanoma skin cancer in South Wales, 1988-98

Background In 1988 our department carried out a population-based epidemiological study of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) incidence, over a 6-month period, in West Glamorgan, South Wales. Objectives To reassess the incidence of NMSC in this defined population over a similar 6-month period 10 years after the initial study. Methods All cases of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed in West Glamorgan are recorded by the local skin cancer registry. All cases for the relevant 6-month period were analysed. Results Using these figures, we have identified a significant rise in the crude incidence of NMSC from 173.5 10 years ago to 265.4 per 100,000 population per annum. We also applied the world standard population for age to our crude figures, demonstrating a combined male and female world population-corrected rate of 129.9 per 100,000 population. Conclusions In our population the crude incidence of NMSC has risen significantly over 10 years. Additionally, the combined male and female world population-corrected rate appears to be the highest published standardized incidence of NMSC to date from any European country.