The Ecological Factors associated with Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer in Patients referring to the Tumor Clinic of Razi Skin Hospital, Tehran in 2017 (a case-control study)

Abstract

Introduction: Due to the high global incidence of skin cancer, its adverse effects on health, and imposition of exorbitant treatment costs on people, the ecological factors associated with non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) were examined in patients who referred to the Tumor Clinic of Razi Skin Hospital, Tehran in 2017.

Methods: This case-control study was conducted by administration of a researcher-made questionnaire to collect data from 300 case and 300 control participants selected by convenience sampling method. Inclusion criteria included diagnosis of the NMSC disease by a physician through biopsy and pathology tests. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests by SPSS software.

Results: A statistically significant relationship was found between NMSC and type of job, socioeconomic status, alcohol and tobacco use, preventive behavioral habits, well water consumption, use of virtual networks, burns, family history, consumption of fatty foods, age / gender, and weight variables. Moreover, NMSC had no statistically significant relationship with the variables of height, body mass index, and urban or rural residence.

Conclusion: Screening programs should be applied for early detection of this disease in its early stages among older men, especially those who have been exposed to a lot of sunlight due to their occupation.