[Skin cancer epidemic in the Netherlands]

Abstract

Despite numerous warnings regarding the dangers of exposure to the sun, the number of skin cancer patients continues to increase rapidly. Dermatologists speak of a 'skin cancer epidemic' and estimate that the number of patients is substantially higher than the number estimated on the basis of cancer registry data. According to the Netherlands and Eindhoven cancer registries, 35.500 Dutch people were newly diagnosed with 'skin cancer' in 2006. Many skin cancer patients develop multiple skin tumours, therefore the total number of skin tumours is much higher than this. One in 6 Dutch people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, 1 in 50 will develop a melanoma. Despite the good prognosis for most skin tumours, there is a high level of morbidity as a result of treatment. The large number of skin tumours and patients puts a great deal of pressure on the health care system.