Skin cancer mortality in Spain: adjusted mortality rates by province and related risk factors

Abstract

Background Ultraviolet radiation is the main environmental risk factor responsible for the development of skin cancer. Other occupational, socioeconomic, and environmental factors appear to be related to the risk of skin cancer. Furthermore, the factors appear to differ for melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The purpose of this study is to analyze mortality rates of skin cancer in the different provinces of Spain and to determine the influence of socioeconomic conditions and other environmental and demographic factors in rates. Methods Deaths from melanoma and NMSC in the period 2000–2019 were obtained as well as socioeconomic and environmental variables. Annual standardized mortality rates (SMR) were calculated for all Spanish provinces. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated. Results The SMR of melanoma was 2.10/100,000 inhabitants, while that of NMSC was 1.28/100,000. At the provincial level, a great variability is confirmed. Gross domestic product showed a positive correlation with melanoma mortality but a negative correlation with NMSC. Other environmental and socioeconomic variables also showed correlation, as a positive correlation between tobacco sales and melanoma and between agricultural development and the NMSC. Conclusions There are still important differences between each province that must be taken into account when planning health care and resource distribution. This ecological and province‐wise study helps to elucidate the relationship between social and ambient exposure determinants and skin cancer mortality in Spain.

Advanced Light Source Technologies for Photodynamic Therapy of Skin Cancer Lesions

“…In terms of melanoma, the crude global incidence in Spain is about 8.82 cases per 100,000 people/year, and the crude global mortality is 2.17 cases per 100,000 people/year. This rate is relatively lower when compared to several other countries in Europe, as well as the USA, Australia, and New Zealand [ 2 ]. For squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a meta-analysis from 2016 determined the crude incidence rate in Spain to be 38.16 per 100,000 person-years [ 3 ].…”

“…Several factors may influence these rates, including geography, sun exposure habits, socioeconomic conditions, and smoking patterns. The analysis in reference [ 2 ] shows a trend of increased mortality in the eastern provinces of Spain, potentially due to a greater beach culture and the associated intermittent sun exposure.…”