Global epidemiology of actinic keratosis in the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common dermatologic condition, and among the most common dermatologic diagnoses in older populations. Although the prevalence of AK depends on demographic and environmental factors, little is known about the global context of AK. An improved understanding of the global prevalence of AK can inform more effective preventative health campaigns in different settings and subgroups. Methods A systematic search of Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was performed on May 20th, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened and assessed the quality of each study using a validated critical appraisal checklist. Epidemiologic measurements (e.g., prevalence) from individual studies you were performed in the general population were then pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses (i.e., population age, geographic region, occupation, sex, and study quality) were conducted. Results Out of the 65 articles that made it through the full-text screening, 60 reported a point prevalence. A meta-analysis of these articles yielded an overall point prevalence of 14% [95% CI: (14-15%)]. The calculated prevalence ranged depending on subgroup in further analyses. The pooled incidence rate from the 7 eligible studies analyzed was 1,928 per 100,000 person-years [95% CI: (−439; 4,294)]. Conclusions This comprehensive meta-analysis provides an updated global prevalence AK at 14%, indicating a significant worldwide disease burden. The incidence rate of AK was found to be 1,928 per 100,000 person-years, emphasizing a growing public health concern. However, high heterogeneity among studies suggests the influence of various factors on AK prevalence necessitating further research for understanding the observed differences.

A Panel of Potential Serum Markers Related to Angiogenesis, Antioxidant Defense and Hypoxia for Differentiating Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas from Actinic Keratoses

“…Its incidence is continuously increasing due to the progressive aging of the global population [2]. cSCC can develop from actinic keratoses (AK), encountered in 14% of the population [3], with incidence increasing with the age of the individual. These premalignant lesions are mostly due to the life-long exposure of skin keratinocytes to UV radiation and are considered in situ squamous cell carcinoma.…”

Tirbanibulin and solar lentigo clearance: an aesthetically pleasing side effect?

“…Actinic keratosis and solar lentigo are two of the most commonly encountered skin lesions in clinical practice. 2,3 While the first is at risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma and treatment is mandatory, 2 solar lentigos are defined as completely benign lesions that are treated only for cosmetic purposes. 4 Tirbanibulin is the latest topical drug in the armamentarium against actinic keratoses.…”

The Role of Field Cancerization in Selecting Therapies for Actinic Keratosis: An Expert Consensus Panel

“…1 AKs are very common, with an estimated prevalence of 40 million in the US and an estimated worldwide incidence of 1,928 per 100,000 personyears. 1,2 They have the potential to progress to invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), which is the second most common skin cancer and caused approximately 9,000 deaths in the US in 2012 alone. 3,4 While the exact rate of progression from AK to invasive cSCC is unclear, there are studies that cite the lifetime risk to be as high as 16%.…”