{Reference Type}: News
{Title}: High Risk of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer in Actinic Keratosis Patients with Skin of Color: A Nationwide Register-Based Cohort Study.
{Author}: Park HS;Baek DJ;Kim YC;Choi JW;
{Journal}: Dermatology
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Jun 27
{Factor}: 5.197
{DOI}: 10.1159/000539878
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Actinic keratoses (AKs) are rough, scaly patches from UV exposure, increasing the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). This study examines AK incidence in Korea and its role as a risk factor for NMSC.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A retrospective nationwide register-based cohort study analyzed 2,917 AK patients and 14,585 controls from 2002 to 2019. Patients diagnosed with AK were followed until NMSC occurrence, death, emigration, or December 2019.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>AK incidence reached 44.8 per 100,000 person-years in 2019. The adjusted hazard ratio for NMSC in AK patients was 8.91 (95% confidence interval, 5.72-13.90). Higher NMSC risk was observed in female AK patients, those under 60 years, and those with lower income levels. The 16-year cumulative incidence of NMSC was 4.19% in AK patients versus 0.44% in controls.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>AK significantly increases the risk of NMSC in Koreans, highlighting the need for tailored surveillance and treatment strategies.