Korean J Dermatol.  2023 Feb;61(2):100-108.

A Statistical Study of Skin Cancers in Gwangju, Chonnam Province over a 10-Year Period (2007∼2016): Comparison of Trends in 5,150 Skin Cancers Cases over 40 Years (1968∼1977, 1987∼2016) in the Same Region

• Song J
• Lee JB
• Yun SJ

Abstract

Background
The incidence of skin cancers has been continuously increasing in Korea. Therefore, it is important to perform repetitive statistical research investigating the distribution and incidence of skin cancers in the same region.
Objective
We aimed to analyze the recent trends and changes in the incidence and clinical patterns of skin cancers observed in Gwangju and Chonnam provinces.
Methods
We reviewed clinical data and histopathology reports from 3,615 cases of skin cancers out of a total of 102,953 new outpatients during a 10-year period between January 2007 and December 2016. The incidence of tumor and its changes, age, sex, and anatomical site distribution were investigated. We also compared these results with those of our previous skin cancer analysis performed with data obtained over 40 years from the same region.
Results
The incidence of skin cancers was 3.51% and steadily increased with time from 2.76% to 4.29%. Basal cell carcinoma (41.08%) was the most common, followed by squamous cell carcinoma (30.95%), malignant melanoma (10.26%), and sarcoma (6.51%).
Conclusion
The incidence and the average age of skin cancer patients continuously increased compared to that in previous studies. Particularly, squamous cell carcinoma markedly increased and it is thought to be due to the increase in the number of the elderly population and the diagnosis of premalignant lesions.

Keyword

Chonnam province; Clinical analysis; Gwangju; Incidence; Skin neoplasms