Non-melanoma skin cancer among caucasians in four areas of the United States

Abstract

A survey of the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer was undertaken in four areas which included about ten million people. Complete reporting of all newly diagnosed cases of skin cancer which occurred during the survey period of September 1, 1971 to February 29, 1972 was obtained by canvassing dermatologists, radiotherapists, pathologists, and other physicians seeing and treating skin cancer. Rates among Caucasians were found two to three times higher than any ever reported before in these area. An estimate of 300,000 new cases of skin cancer per year would amount to about one-half the total for all other forms of cancer combined in the United States. In all areas, there was an excess liability in males of about 2 to 1. Highest rates were observed in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, where increased solar radiation is suspected as a carcinogenic agent.