Increasing incidence rates of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin in Sweden

The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is increasing world-wi de, and in Sweden this tumour is one of the most rapidly increasing maligna ncies. The aim of this study was to investigate incidence trends of squamou s cell carcinoma in Sweden. For the 39,805 tumours registered in the Swedis h Cancer Registry 1961-1995, incidence rates were calculated according to g ender, age, anatomical site and unit surface area. Multivariate analysis wa s performed with the age-period-cohort model. Age-standardized incidence ra tes increased substantially in both men (+425%) and women (+146%) during th is period. The highest rates per unit surface area were seen for chronicall y sun-exposed head-neck sites. Age-specific incidence rates increased in ag es greater than or equal to 60 years during the study period. Multivariate analyses showed that age, period and cohort effects in men could best expla in the incidence rates, while in women the age-period effects model was ade quate. In conclusion, a rapidly increasing incidence trend for squamous cel l carcinoma was found. probably explained by increased accumulated sun expo sure and, increasing incidence among the elderly.