A Retrospective Study On The Demographic Characteristics Of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer In Iran

The incidence of Non-melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC) including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) andsquamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is increasing worldwide. There are limited data on the NMSC inIran. Herein we aimed to determine the demographic characteristic of patients diagnosed with BCCand SCC from 2013 to 2016 in the Cancer Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran, Iran.A retrospective chart review was performed on patients with biopsy-confirmed NMSCs. Thedemographic characteristics were documented for BCCs and SCCs patients and a descriptive dataanalysis was undertaken. A total of 417 NMSCs (298 in men and 119 in women) were identifiedamong all skin cancer patients. BCCs and SCCs were generally diagnosed in people aged 64 ≤yearsold. However, three cases in women and one case in men were under the age of 20 years. BCC, SCCand mixed of them accounts for 60, 39 and 1% of cases of NMSC, respectively. Fifty cases found tohave relapses more than 3 times. BCCs and SCCs were most commonly seen on the head and face.The highest incidence of NMSCs was seen in high-latitude provinces. NMSC is prevalent throughoutIran. Against general impression our results highlight the fact that both men and women areequally affected by NMSC and cases are more frequent in northern part than others. Preventionstrategies are necessary to promote awareness and to decrease the burden of NMSC in Iran.