Skin cancer epidemiology
Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of all cancers, affecting some 30% of fair-skinned individuals?
Each year, 15,000 new skin cancer cases are reported in Denmark. The vast majority of these cases are basal cell carcinomas.
Over the past 25 years, the incidence of skin cancer has increased considerably, and the negative trend is expected to continue for years to come.
Studies estimate that 11-25% of the population is affected by actinic keratosis, a premalignant condition occurring in patients with accumulated sun exposure. The condition can progress into squamous cell carcinoma.
The annual cost of skin cancer treatment and patient control is estimated at more than 19 million Euros.
| Total | Women | Men | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basal cell carcinomas | 12.025 | 6275 | 5750 |
| Squamous cell carcinoma | 2600 | 1100 | 1500 |
| Deaths each year (Squamous cell carcinoma only) | 25 | 39 |
There’s a 40% risk of developing new cancer within 2-3 years following the first incidence of skin cancer.
Graf-reference: Holm A/S, Nissen CV, Wulf HC, Acta DV 2016; 96:505-509