Skin cancer in children and young adults

Abstract

Little population-based data has been published about skin cancers in children and young adults. In this study, 200 cases of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers diagnosed under 25 years of age in the North of England from 1968-1995 were obtained from the Northern Region Young Persons' Malignant Disease Registry. The incidence was 1.2 cases per million per year for children (aged 0-14 years) and was 13 cases per million per year for young adults (aged 15-24 years). Melanoma accounted for 138 cases, of which 16 were in subjects aged < 15 years at diagnosis. The incidence of melanoma increased in females at a rate of 5.6 per million per decade (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2-8.9, P = 0.002), largely due to an increased incidence of primary lower limb tumours. The incidence for males was unchanged. Survival improved significantly over time for both males and females (P < or = 0.02). Of the 62 patients with non-melanoma skin cancers, 66% were diagnosed with primary non-basal cell carcinoma, 13% with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, 10% with squamous cell carcinoma and 11% with other tumours. Two cases were iatrogenic second malignancies following treatment for an earlier primary brain tumour. The incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers was significantly higher during 1982-1995 than during 1968-1981 (rate ratio 1.7, 95% CI 1.0-2.8). There were three deaths from non-melanoma skin cancer, and the overall 5 year survival rate was 98% (95% CI 89-100%). The reason for the increasing incidence of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer in young people is unknown, but it is likely that ultraviolet exposure plays an aetiological role. It is important that families continue to be advised of the need for vigilance with regard to childhood sun exposure.

Childhood exposure to ultraviolet radiation and harmful skin effects: Epidemiological evidence

“…From 1987 to 1994 rates in Australia were 1/million in under 10 year olds and 30/million in 10–14 year olds (Baade et al, 2010). In comparison, rates in Northern England from 1968 to 1995 were 0.7/million in under 15 year olds and 9.6/million in 15–19 year olds (Pearce et al, 2003). Not only is there a latitudinal gradient between countries for childhood and adolescent melanoma, the increasing trend holds within countries as well.…”

A REVIEW ON OZONE LAYER DEPLETION, EFFECTS & IT’S SOLUTION.

“…The chance of incidence of melanoma is correlated with UV exposure furthermore the survival chance of melanoma is less in boys as compared to girls [24] [25]. As the intensity of radiation increases in summer so the risk of melanoma in thin skinned people is increased in summer and it is more in females as compared to males as their skin is thinner than males [26] [27].There is considerable relationship between melanoma risk and intermittent sun exposure and sunburn history [28]. There is also a direct relationship between air travelling and melanoma incidence [29].…”

“…There is also a direct relationship between air travelling and melanoma incidence [29]. However the studies revealed that genetic factors contribute more for having melanoma disease than behavioral aspects [30].The epidemiological studies of non melanoma skin carcinoma (NMSC) indicates that its risk is more in young females in lower limbs [16] [20] and sunbathing increases its risk five times in trunk region. Exposure to UV radiations can also result in suppression of immune response to skin cancer, infectious diseases and other antigens [1].…”

Causes of Ozone Layer Depletion and Its Effects on Human: Review

“…Melanoma is most serious form of cancer and is often fatal, while non-melanoma is most common type and less fatal. Depletion of ozone layer leads to both Sun burn and skin cancer [20]. UV radiations are also responsible for breast cancer and leukemia [18].…”