Prevalence of skin cancer in southwest of Iran

Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in the world and is known as the first or second common malignancy in different parts of Iran. According to preventable nature of most types of skin cancers and because of the lack of data about this cancer in Khuzestan province، this study was done to evaluate the frequency of skin cancers in the southwest of Iran and its relationship to sun exposure. Data of demographic characteristics such as age، gender، type of cancer and its body location was extracted from pathologically confirmed Khuzestan Cancer Center which was during Mars2009-Mars 2010. From 5201 of cancers recorded، 602 were of skin cancers (mean of age: 61y/o). All types of skin cancers were higher in men (n = 348، 56. 8%، P = 0. 03) and 40 years and older (P <0. 001). Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) was seen in 424 patients (70. 4%)، squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 85 patients، and malignant melanoma in 22، and other skin cancers in 71 patients. Skin cancer type was statistically correlated to skin''s topography and sunlightexposure (SCC and BCC were higher in sun-exposed areas (P<0. 001). According to Khuzestan''s geographic location، most days are sunny، and most of the peoplework outdoor (farmers or petroleum workers) and because of the great role of sunlight in skin cancer، we suggest more educational programs regarding using sun screens، sunglasses، suitable hats and cloths and avoiding from sun-exposure when direct sunlight is expected