Incidence of cancer in first-degree relatives of basal cell carcinoma patients

Abstract

There is evidence to suggest that genetic factors play an important role in the development of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), and that skin neoplasms might be a sign for a genetic predisposition to cancer. We investigated whether the incidence of visceral and skin malignancies among Wrst-degree relatives of BCC-patients was increased. Postal questionnaires were sent to 249 BCCpatients, who were divided into two groups (young = BCC under the age of 51 years and older = BCC over the age of 50 years), and asked them about cancer in their Wrst-degree relatives. The reported numbers of cancer among the relatives were compared with the expected numbers based on sex and age-speciWc population-based incidence rates. The accuracy of the reported diagnoses was veriWed. A total of 157 BCC-patients reported 277 malignancies in 1,272 relatives. The incidence of the following cancers was higher than expected in relatives from young BCC-patients: bone and soft tissue (O/E = 3.91; 95% CI: 1.43-8.66), skin (O/ E = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.30-3.29) and digestive tract (O/ E = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.10-2.23). In relatives of older BCCpatients, only the incidence of digestive tract cancer was higher than expected (O/E = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.08-1.89). Diagnoses that were veriWed turned out to be accurate in 87% of the cases. This study suggests that the risk of certain cancers, particularly that of the digestive tract, in Wrstdegree relatives of BCC-patients is increased. These Wndings may indicate a genetic predisposition to both skin and visceral malignancies in this patient group.

Dermatoscopic Pattern Variability in Basal Cell Carcinoma – Implications in Diagnosis, Preoperative Assessment, and Tumor Management

“…At the same time, the risk of BCC development is significantly increased by exposure to chemicals including arsenic, insecticides, herbicides, pesticides, and radiotherapy (3,4). Epidemiologic data emphasise that, despite awareness campaigns and sun-protective measures, there is an increasing global BCC incidence, especially in middle-aged groups, suggesting that BCC has become a serious public health concern (4,5).…”

Risk factors for basal cell carcinoma: Results from the case-control study

“…The constitutional characteristics (fair hair, eye and skin color, presence of nevi) also play an important role in the development of BCC [8][9], although the relationship between exposure and host phenotype is still unclear [10]. One recent study suggests that the risk of certain cancers, particularly that of the digestive tract, is increased in first-degree relatives of BCC-patients, and that these findings may indicate a genetic predisposition to both skin and visceral malignancies in this patient group [11].…”