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Excision rates lower in middle-aged patients with keratinocyte cancer

In a study to assess treatment trends for keratinocyte cancers, researchers found that whereas overall treatment rates have increased significantly during the past 10 years, excision rates have declined among younger Australian patients.

Researchers obtained keratinocyte skin cancer diagnosis and treatment data from 2000 to 2011 through the Medicare Australia website to examine counts and rates for each procedure, as well as the average annual percentage rate of change.

For basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, excision rates declined significantly in men and women aged younger than 45 years between 2000 and 2011. The highest rates of change for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma excisions were found in men aged 75 to 84 and for women aged 85 and older.

Skin biopsies were shown to have increased significantly among patients of all ages, which may be equated to an overall heightened awareness of skin cancer in the population, according to the researchers. Additionally, the observation of lower excision rates among the younger age groups is consistent with other studies, suggesting that skin cancer incidence might be declining among younger people, the authors concluded.

Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.