Epidemiological study of skin cancer in the population assisted by the University of State of Pará

Abstract

Objective: To outline a profile of skin cancer cases in patients assisted by the dermatology outpatient clinic of University of State of Pará from January 2019 to June 2024. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective, and descriptive study conducted with 315 patients diagnosed with skin cancer from January 2019 to June 2024. The research was conducted using a questionnaire applied to the medical records and the results were analyzed using BioEstat 6.0 and ArcGis 1.5.1 software. The study was approved by the Research and Ethics Committee. Results: 51.6% were female and 48.4% were male, 26.3% were between 60 and 69 years old, 50.5% took between 1 and 5 years to be diagnosed, 54% were from the state capital, and retirees and professionals with sun exposure accounted for 45.1% of the cases. Furthermore, 50% of melanomas were located on the back, 31.6% of squamous cell carcinomas were found on the upper limbs and 56.2% of basal cell carcinomas were in the malar region and nose. Conclusion: It can be inferred from the sample of patients that male individuals represent the group most vulnerable to late diagnosis of the disease, especially if associated with professions with greater sun exposure.