BACKGROUND: Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Brazil. The estimate for 2006 is 122400 new cases accounting for 26% of the total cancer burden. Sun exposure is the main risk factor. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the frequency of skin neoplasm in the country, its geographic distribution and people's attitude regarding sun exposure protection. METHODS: The Brazilian Society of Dermatology has been promoting a national screening campaign since 1999, where free dermatological examination and information on the risks of solar exposure are provided. RESULTS: From 1999 to 2005, this campaign performed 205869 dermatological exams, diagnosing 17980 (8.7%) cases of skin cancer (13194 basal cell carcinomas, 2482 squamous cell carcinomas, 1057 melanomas and 1247 other neoplasms). The ratio between sexes was 1.7 and the prevalence was 1.6% in black, 3.2% in Asian descendent, 3.4% in mestizo, and 12.7% in Caucasian individuals. Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Norte were the national states with the highest prevalence rate. The majority of people, irrespective of sex or race, suffered unprotected solar exposure, hence pointing to the great importance that educational activity must play in the prevention of this disease in the country. CONCLUSION: Skin neoplasm is frequent among the Brazilian population, but unprotected sun exposure is not yet perceived as an important health risk.
Carcinoma, basal Cell; Carcinoma, squamous cell; Melanoma; Risk-taking; Skin neoplasm; Skin neoplams; Skin neoplams; Skin neoplams
