Over the past number of years there has been a significant rise in the number of referrals regarding sun damaged skin lesions, more specifically basal cell carcinomas, in the head and neck region, to our maxillofacial department for surgical management.
Admirably, our colleagues in primary care are ever vigilant, with the majority of basal cell carcinomas being fortuitously detected at check-up examinations.
The well documented aetiology which includes genetic predisposition and ultraviolet radiation exposure,1 is of particular relevance in our western population given the fair type 1 and type 2 skin makeup and increased feasibility of travel to hotter climates.2 The shift in population age is a significant contributory factor also, given the accumulative nature of the skin damage.3
Despite the publicity effort regarding UV sun protection it is likely we will see some semblance of decrease only after knowledge and display of the detrimental effects are openly shared and debated in society. Unfortunately the trend related to sun damaged skin lesions is set to continue.
Perhaps a new wave of deterrence such as was taken in the anti-tobacco campaign should be a priority for the health service. The implementation of a universal ultraviolet light prevention programme in places of work and education would create the opportunity to reduce the incidence of morbidity associated with this preventable disease.
- © British Journal of General Practice 2015
