Risk factors of non‐melanoma skin cancer in United States veterans patients: a pilot study and review of literature

Abstract

We documented several risk factors which significantly increased the chance of developing skin cancer among veterans. These included ethnic background and solar damage of the skin among others. A review of the literature confirms these risks in the general population, but also further study is warranted to address risk factors like smoking and radiation, particularly in veterans populations. Identification of pertinent risk factors will help to identify high risk individuals, allow detection of new skin cancer at its earliest stage, and develop a profile of favorable lifestyle characteristics that reduce NMSC risk.