Biomaterial Database

Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma of the skin: analysis of the Singapore Cancer Registry data 1968-97. 2003

D Koh, and H Wang, and J Lee, and K S Chia, and H P Lee, and C L Goh

Department of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine MD3, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597. cofkohd@nus.edu.sg

BACKGROUND There has been an alarming recent increase in skin cancer incidence among fair-skinned populations. Information from Asian populations is less readily available. OBJECTIVE This study examines time trends and ethnic differences of skin cancers among Asians in Singapore. METHODS Data from 1968 to 1997 was obtained from the Singapore Cancer Registry, a population-based registry. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) and age-adjusted average annual percentage change, using the Poisson regression model, were calculated. RESULTS A total of 2650 basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), 1407 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and 281 melanomas were reported. There was an overall increase of skin cancer from 6.0 per 100000 person years (1968-72) to 8.9 per 100000 person years (1993-97). BCC incidence increased 3% annually, melanoma remained constant, and SCC decreased 0.9% annually. BCC ASRs were highest among Chinese, then Malays and Indians. A similar pattern was noted for SCC and melanomas. CONCLUSIONS The incidence rates of skin cancer increased in Singapore during the period 1968-97. Fairer-skinned Chinese had a higher incidence of skin cancer.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008297	Male		Males
D008545	Melanoma	A malignant neoplasm derived from cells that are capable of forming melanin, which may occur in the skin of any part of the body, in the eye, or, rarely, in the mucous membranes of the genitalia, anus, oral cavity, or other sites. It occurs mostly in adults and may originate de novo or from a pigmented nevus or malignant lentigo. Melanomas frequently metastasize widely, and the regional lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and brain are likely to be involved. The incidence of malignant skin melanomas is rising rapidly in all parts of the world. (Stedman, 25th ed; from Rook et al., Textbook of Dermatology, 4th ed, p2445)	Malignant Melanoma,Malignant Melanomas,Melanoma, Malignant,Melanomas,Melanomas, Malignant
D008875	Middle Aged	An adult aged 45 - 64 years.	Middle Age
D012042	Registries	The systems and processes involved in the establishment, support, management, and operation of registers, e.g., disease registers.	Parish Registers,Population Register,Parish Register,Population Registers,Register, Parish,Register, Population,Registers, Parish,Registers, Population,Registry
D002280	Carcinoma, Basal Cell	A malignant skin neoplasm that seldom metastasizes but has potentialities for local invasion and destruction. Clinically it is divided into types: nodular, cicatricial, morphaic, and erythematoid (pagetoid). They develop on hair-bearing skin, most commonly on sun-exposed areas. Approximately 85% are found on the head and neck area and the remaining 15% on the trunk and limbs. (From DeVita Jr et al., Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology, 3d ed, p1471)	Carcinoma, Basal Cell, Pigmented,Epithelioma, Basal Cell,Rodent Ulcer,Ulcer, Rodent,Basal Cell Carcinoma,Basal Cell Carcinomas,Basal Cell Epithelioma,Basal Cell Epitheliomas,Carcinomas, Basal Cell,Epitheliomas, Basal Cell,Rodent Ulcers,Ulcers, Rodent
D002294	Carcinoma, Squamous Cell	A carcinoma derived from stratified SQUAMOUS EPITHELIAL CELLS. It may also occur in sites where glandular or columnar epithelium is normally present. (From Stedman, 25th ed)	Carcinoma, Epidermoid,Carcinoma, Planocellular,Carcinoma, Squamous,Squamous Cell Carcinoma,Carcinomas, Epidermoid,Carcinomas, Planocellular,Carcinomas, Squamous,Carcinomas, Squamous Cell,Epidermoid Carcinoma,Epidermoid Carcinomas,Planocellular Carcinoma,Planocellular Carcinomas,Squamous Carcinoma,Squamous Carcinomas,Squamous Cell Carcinomas
D005260	Female		Females
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328	Adult	A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available.	Adults
D000368	Aged	A person 65 years of age or older. For a person older than 79 years, AGED, 80 AND OVER is available.	Elderly