Risk Factors for Keratinocyte Carcinoma Skin Cancer In Nonwhite Individuals: A Retrospective Analysis

Publication date: Available online 29 January 2019

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Kumar S. Nadhan, Christina L. Chung, Erin M. Buchanan, Christine Shaver, Scott Shipman, Rina M. Allawh, Melissa L. Hoffman, Geoffrey Lim, Mark Abdelmalek, Carrie Ann Cusack

Abstract

Background

As the majority of the U.S. population will consist of nonwhite individuals by the year 2043, it is essential that both physicians and patients are educated about skin cancer in nonwhite individuals.

Objective

To update the epidemiology, investigate specific risk factors, and facilitate earlier diagnosis and intervention of KC in nonwhite individuals

Methods

IRB-approved retrospective chart review of all non-white individuals who had received a biopsy-proven diagnosis of skin cancer at Drexel Dermatology from June 2008 to June 2015.

Results

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the most commonly diagnosed skin cancer in Black and Asian populations, while basal cell carcinoma (BCC) was the most common skin cancer in Hispanics. Blacks exhibited the majority of their SCC lesions in sun-protected areas, particularly the anogenital area. On average, current smokers were diagnosed with skin cancer 12.27 years earlier than former smokers and 9.36 years earlier than nonsmokers.

Limitations

Single-center design and inter-practitioner variability of skin examination

Conclusions

The importance of photoprotection in nonwhite individuals should not go overlooked. However, emphasis should also be placed on active examination of sun-protected areas in nonwhites and recognition of the relationship between HPV and genital SCC lesions. Smoking cessation should be integrated in dermatologic counseling of all patients. Interventions tailored to each of these ethnic groups are needed.

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