EPIDEMIOLOGIA DO CÂNCER DE PELE: UM PANORAMA MUNDIAL

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.002142505056

• Palavras-chave: incidência, prevalência, mortalidade, fatores de risco, radiação ultravioleta, políticas públicas em saúde.

• Keywords: incidence, prevalence, mortality, risk factors, ultraviolet radiation, public health politics.

• Abstract: Skin cancer is the most common neoplasm worldwide, with a rising incidence over recent decades. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that over 1.5 million new cases were diagnosed in 2022. By 2050, this number will increase to approximately 3.3 million globally. Incidence rates vary across countries and regions, with higher prevalence among men than women. Risk factors such as excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, racial characteristics, and advanced age play critical roles in the disease’s prevalence. Early diagnosis is essential for reducing mortality; however, access to treatment remains unequal, with significant disparities between developed and developing nations, leading to marked differences in mortality rates between these regions. In Brazil, as in the global context, skin cancer ranks among the most frequently diagnosed cancers, with a growing incidence, particularly among the elderly and individuals with fair skin. Current data and projections for 2050 highlight the urgent need for public policies focused on promoting skin self-awareness, prevention, and early diagnosis, as well as improving access to skin cancer treatment. These measures are crucial to address the escalating burden of the disease and mitigate its impact on public health systems worldwide.