Trend of skin cancer mortality and years of life lost in China from 2013 to 2021

Jingyi Li ¹ Jiaqi Zeng ² Yuanchao Yang ^1* Biran Huang ^1*

• ¹ Department of Dermatology, Huizhou First Hospital, Huizhou, China
• ² Department of Dermatology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, China

Background: The mortality rates of skin cancer in Chinese population are increasing. However, research on skin cancer trends in China is limited. This study aimed to estimate the mortality trends of skin cancer in China within 2013–2021. Methods: A retrospective analysis of skin cancer deaths within 2013–2021 was performed using the China death cause surveillance dataset compiled by the National Health Commission Statistics Information Center and the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control Center. The mortality rates of skin cancer were stratified by gender, age group, and area (urban or rural).Results: From 2013 to 2021 in China, the crude mortality rate (CMR) of skin cancer increased, and the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age-standardized years of life lost (YLL) rate decreased. The ASMR and age-standardized YLL rate were 0.85/100,000 and 18.95/100,000 in 2013, respectively, and decreased to 0.75/100,000 and 16.84/100,000, respectively, in 2021. From 2013 to 2021, the CMR, ASMR, and age-standardized YLL rate of skin cancer were higher in males than in females and higher in rural areas rather than in urban ones. In terms of the highest age-specific mortality rate, it appeared in the age group of over 85 years old. Conclusion: The burden of skin cancer remained heavily from 2013 to 2021 in China. Especially males, elderly, and rural residents had higher mortality. Thus, effective measures and strategies should be taken to reduce the incidence and mortality of skin cancer.