Journal of Asia Pacific Aesthetic Sciences

Abstract: Cutaneous malignancies, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and malignant melanoma (MM), are among the most common forms of skin cancer, particularly in regions with high ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Despite their prevalence, these malignancies are relatively underreported in Malaysia, where public awareness remains limited. This study aimed to analyse the epidemiology, demographic distribution, and associated risk factors of cutaneous malignancies among patients at Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor Bahru (HSAJB), between 2015 and 2020 to fill gaps in local data and inform public health strategies. A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted, encompassing all patients diagnosed with and histopathologically confirmed to have cutaneous malignancies at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, HSAJB, from January 2015 to December 2020. Descriptive statistics summarized socio-demographic variables, while logistic regression was employed to assess the association between lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and the risk of developing specific types of cutaneous malignancies. Out of 262 confirmed cases, 219 were included in the analysis. The majority of patients were male (59.8%) and of Chinese ethnicity (60.7%), with most cases occurring in the elderly population (mean age 68.60 ± 13 years). Basal cell carcinoma was the most common malignancy, followed by SCC and MM. Lesions predominantly occurred in sun-exposed areas, particularly the head and neck. A significant association was found between smoking and the risk of developing SCC (P < 0.05), but not with BCC and MM. Co-morbidities such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus did not significantly influence the risk of cutaneous malignancies. The prevalence of cutaneous malignancies was 15 per 1,000 people in Johor Bahru during the study period. The study highlights a higher prevalence of cutaneous malignancies among the Chinese population and males in Johor Bahru. Public health initiatives focusing on increasing awareness, early detection, and preventive measures such as sun protection and smoking cessation are essential to reduce the incidence and improve outcomes for cutaneous malignancies in Malaysia. Further research is needed to explore the impact of comorbidities and other risk factors on these malignancies.