Descriptive epidemiology of skin cancer on Aruba: 1980–1995

Abstract

Background An epidemiology unit was established in Aruba in 1994. The primary focus was the development of an infrastructure for both surveillance and health information data systems. This effort resulted in the first analysis of available skin cancer data. Methods A retrospective study of cancer and particularly skin cancer cases at the local histopathology laboratory for the period 1980–1995 was performed. All available records with a cancer diagnosis were evaluated. Results During the study period, an increase in age‐adjusted rates for both men and women was observed for basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. No temporal trend was discerned for malignant melanoma or other skin cancers because the numbers of cases were small. Lesions were most often seen on the nose, face, and arm. Dermatologists provided the majority of skin cancer diagnoses and demonstrated the greatest diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions The presence of a central histopathology laboratory may provide small island states, like Aruba, with important public health data. This first description of Aruba's skin cancer epidemiology provides information that may be utilized for future public health action.