Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Mortality in Costa Rica, 2000-2019

Abstract

Objective: To determine non-melanoma skin cancer mortality in Costa Rica, according to provinces and cantons, in the period 2000-2019. Materials and methods: Descriptive, ecological study. A database was created with the mortality rates for non-melanoma skin cancer in Costa Rica, taking information from the National Institute of Statistics and Census. The data obtained were organized in a Microsoft Excel file, where the rates were classified according to age group, sex and province or canton of residence of the patient. The cases were divided by the population and multiplied by 100 thousand inhabitants to calculate the mortality rate for non-melanoma skin cancer. Results: The mortality rate for non-melanoma skin cancer is predominantly male. The most affected age group is patients older than 70 years, with a rate of 15.77 deaths per 100 thousand inhabitants. According to geographical distribution, the highest mortality rate corresponded to the province of Alajuela, and the lowest rates were in Limón and Guanacaste. According to the canton of residence of the patient, Atenas and Palmares were those that registered the highest values during the entire period, belonging to the province of Alajuela. Conclusions: The mortality rate for non-melanoma skin cancer in Costa Rica during 2000-2019 presents an increasing trend. Being male and belonging to the population over 70 years of age are two associated risk factors. Alajuela is the province with the highest mortality.