Abstract A34: Nonmelanoma skin cancer and the risk of second primary cancers: A systematic review

Abstract

Context: Based on empirical evidence, the hypothesis has been set forth that a personal history of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) may be a marker of a high cancer-risk phenotype. Others hypothesize that NMSC may be a marker of high vitamin D synthesis and therefore inversely associated with risk of other malignancies. Objective: To reconcile these divergent views, we carried out a systematic review to determine the overall association between nonmelanoma skin cancer and subsequent risk of other cancers. Data Sources: PubMed and Ovid/MEDLINE databases were searched through March 2009. The formal search was supplemented by hand searches. Study selection: Articles were included if sufficient information was presented to estimate the risk of developing other cancers following NMSC. Data extraction: Articles were reviewed and data abstracted independently in duplicate with disagreements decided by consensus. Results: Of the 21 included articles, 15 presented on NMSC in relation to risk of all other cancers combined. NMSC was associated with a 17% increased future risk of another malignancy (summary random-effects RR (SRR) 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–1.22). This association held true for both squamous cell carcinoma (SRR 1.21, 95% CI 1.14–1.28) and basal cell carcinoma (SRR 1.15, 95% CI 1.07–1.24), and both men (SRR 1.15, 95% CI 1.09–1.20) and women (SRR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04–1.15). Conclusions: Strong, consistent evidence indicates that a personal history of NMSC is associated with an increased risk of developing other malignancies. For reasons that are presently unknown, nonmelanoma skin cancer may be a marker of a high cancer-risk phenotype. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):A34.