Geographic distribution of skin cancer

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Abstract
The role of the ultraviolet radiation of sunlight is presented in relation to the etiology and incidence of skin cancers. While the exposure to the carcinogenic range of the ultraviolet component of the solar spectrum was found to be of primary significance, ethnic background is also an important factor in the epidemiology of skin cancers. The significance of ethnic factors is illustrated by the high death rate from skin cancer in Ireland, although the total erythema dose is considerably smaller than in other countries where the death rate from skin cancer is lower. Environmental factors, such as reflection, scatter, and shielding, are discussed in regard to determining the degree of exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The distribution of skin cancer on the body surface indicates the importance of the anatomic contours in determining the development of epidermal malignant tumors. The majority of squamous cell carcinomas of the skin appear to be caused directly by chronic exposure to sunlight. The incidence of two‐thirds of basal cell carcinomas is also related to damage of the skin by ultraviolet radiation. The fact that one‐third of basal cell carcinomas occur in anatomical locations which receive relatively little ultraviolet radiation suggests that other factors are significant in the genesis of this tumor. The data presented indicate that appropriate prophylactic measures may be developed for these largely preventable types of cancer.

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