Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Mortality in Spain: A Predictive Model up to 2044

Evolving Landscape of Melanoma in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece: Trends and Insights

OBJECTIVE

To study melanoma incidence trends from 1990 to 2021 in Southern European countries-Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece-and explore regional and age-period-cohort (A-P-C) patterns.

METHODS

Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 were used to calculate age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs). Joinpoint regression and age-period cohort (A-P-C) models were applied to identify trends and patterns.

RESULTS

A substantial increase in melanoma ASIRs was observed across all Southern European countries from 1990 to 2021. Joinpoint analysis revealed a potential turning point in the 2010s, with ASIRs stabilizing or declining in younger age groups across all countries. For instance, rates among younger women in Italy, Portugal, and Spain have shown signs of stabilization or decline, while Greek women experienced a continued but slower increase. Men exhibited a similar trend, except for Greece, where the increase rate persisted albeit at a slower pace. Gender differences were evident, with younger women generally facing higher risks vs men but exhibiting a slower rise in incidence with age. The A-P-C analysis confirmed a pronounced cohort effect, indicating a higher risk for melanoma among earlier birth cohorts. Among younger generations, there is evidence of stabilization or even a decline in incidence rates.

CONCLUSION

Melanoma rates are rising in Southern Europe, especially among men. While younger populations show promising declines, likely due to sun protection efforts, older generations continue to be affected. Addressing regional disparities and sustaining these positive trends requires ongoing efforts and comprehensive prevention strategies.

Patterns and trends in melanoma mortality in Spain (1999-2022)

AIM

To examine melanoma mortality trends in Spanish Autonomous Communities from 1999 to 2022, focusing on gender and age differences.

METHODS

Data from the National Statistics Institute were used to calculate age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs). Joinpoint regression identified trend changes.

RESULTS

Melanoma mortality varied significantly by region, gender, and age. Eastern Spain had higher male mortality, while western regions had lower rates. Asturias had higher female mortality, with lower rates in Andalusia, Extremadura, and Castilla-La Mancha. Men generally exhibited higher ASMRs than women, with variations across regions. While ASMRs remained stable in most areas, Madrid experienced a notable decline (AAPC: - 1.3%). A national trend reversal occurred in 2014 (AAPC: - 1.3%). For individuals aged 45-74 years, Catalonia saw a significant decrease (AAPC: - 1.1%, p < 0.05), whereas Andalusia experienced an increase (APC: 2.1% since 2007). Nationally, ASMRs for this age group declined (AAPC: - 0.7%). Among those aged 75 years and over, ASMRs varied considerably, with increases observed in Andalusia and Aragon. Nationally, male ASMRs rose (AAPC: 1.6% per year), while female rates were stable. Regional disparities were evident, with higher female mortality in the Balearic Islands and fluctuating rates in the Community of Madrid (an increase followed by a decrease after 2015). The gender gap in mortality varied across regions, with some areas showing a narrowing gap and others widening disparities.

CONCLUSION

Continuous monitoring of melanoma mortality, especially among men and older adults, is crucial. Public health efforts should address regional disparities, improve early detection, and enhance treatment access to optimize outcomes nationwide.

Trend analysis of hematological tumors in adolescents and young adults from 1990 to 2019 and predictive trends from 2020 to 2044: A Global Burden of Disease study

INTRODUCTION

Cancer constitutes the primary disease spectrum contributing to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD). Adolescents and young adults (AYA) aged 15-39 have received relatively less attention regarding tumor prevention, diagnosis, and treatment compared to older adults and children. This study aimed to analyze the changes in the disease burden of hematological malignancies among the global AYA over the past three decades based on the GBD database.

METHODS

The changes in the disease burden of hematological malignancies were analyzed among the AYA over the past three decades based on the information from the GBD database. The future trends were predicted using the Nordpred package in R.

RESULTS

Our results showed that leukemia ranked first as the leading tumor burden among AYA in 2019, but the incidence rate and mortality rate of leukemia decreased year by year, with a projected age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of 1.65/100,000 for females and 2.40/100,000 for males by the year 2044. In addition, the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has been gradually increasing in recent years, with an ASIR of 1.73/100,000 from 2020 to 2024. The results may serve as a basis for developing strategies to reduce the burden of hematological malignancies in the AYA population in different regions.

Skin cancer mortality in Spain: adjusted mortality rates by province and related risk factors

BACKGROUND

Ultraviolet radiation is the main environmental risk factor responsible for the development of skin cancer. Other occupational, socioeconomic, and environmental factors appear to be related to the risk of skin cancer. Furthermore, the factors appear to differ for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The purpose of this study is to analyze mortality rates of skin cancer in the different provinces of Spain and to determine the influence of socioeconomic conditions and other environmental and demographic factors in rates.

METHODS

Deaths from melanoma and NMSC in the period 2000-2019 were obtained as well as socioeconomic and environmental variables. Annual standardized mortality rates (SMR) were calculated for all Spanish provinces. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated.

RESULTS

The SMR of melanoma was 2.10/100,000 inhabitants, while that of NMSC was 1.28/100,000. At the provincial level, a great variability is confirmed. Gross domestic product showed a positive correlation with melanoma mortality but a negative correlation with NMSC. Other environmental and socioeconomic variables also showed correlation, as a positive correlation between tobacco sales and melanoma and between agricultural development and the NMSC.

CONCLUSIONS

There are still important differences between each province that must be taken into account when planning health care and resource distribution. This ecological and province-wise study helps to elucidate the relationship between social and ambient exposure determinants and skin cancer mortality in Spain.

Sex differences in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of cancer: the rationale for an individualised approach

BACKGROUND

Precision medicine in oncology aims to identify the most beneficial interventions based on a patient's individual features and disease. However, disparities exist when providing cancer care to patients based on an individual's sex.

OBJECTIVE

To discuss how sex differences impact the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, disease progression, and response to treatment, with a focus on data from Spain.

RESULTS

Genetic and environmental factors (social or economic inequalities, power imbalances, and discrimination) that contribute to these differences adversely affect cancer patient health outcomes. Increased health professional awareness of sex differences is essential to the success of translational research and clinical oncological care.

CONCLUSIONS

The Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica created a Task Force group to raise oncologists' awareness and to implement measures to address sex differences in cancer patient management in Spain. This is a necessary and fundamental step towards optimizing precision medicine that will benefit all individuals equally and equitably.

HDR brachytherapy in keratinocyte skin carcinomas - Single center experience with analysis of clinical, dosimetric, and radiobiological factors in acute skin toxicity

PURPOSE

Radiotherapy techniques have been utilized to treat keratinocyte skin carcinoma (KSC). The objective of this study was to report the results of patients with KSC treated with HDR brachytherapy, with a variety of techniques and applicators. A statistical analysis of clinical, radiobiological, and technical factors has been made to analyze those factors related to skin acute toxicity, focused on acute epithelitis G3.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between February 2005 and August 2020, 93 patients with 120 histologically proven KSC have been treated in our Institution. BT treatment has been performed using superficial BT/plesiotherapy (Valencia applicator (22%), flaps (48%), customized molds (4%) or interstitial techniques (26%)). The indications of BT were primary/definitive in 38 treatments (32%) or adjuvant/postoperative in 82 (68%). In 14 (17%) of the 82 operated patients a skin graft. Mean comparison t tests were performed for quantitative variables, and percentage comparison Chi2 tests for qualitative. Multivariate binomial logistic regression models were done.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 36.5 months (range 5-141). Local control was achieved in 110 treatments (92%). Acute toxicity, dermatitis, was G1 7%; G2, 57% and G3 38%. The main factors statistically associated to the appearance of dermatitis G3 were the total dose, the volume treated, and the use of manufactured flaps. The main protective factor against dermatitis G3 was implant of skin graft.

CONCLUSIONS

In KSC BT the use of manufactured flap is accompanied by greater EG3, only with a relationship with the volume of treatment and total dose.