12. Seasonal Variations: The Climatic Influence on Basal-Cell Carcinoma Incidence
It’s a perplexing but true fact that the incidence of basal-cell carcinoma can fluctuate with the seasons. Though we commonly associate skin cancer with summer’s blazing sun, diagnoses often peak at different times of the year, dependent on the region. This seasonal oscillation isn’t just a calendar quirk but has a lot to say about human behavior and climatic factors that influence this form of cancer.
Many may not know, but late winter and early spring often see a spike in basal-cell carcinoma diagnoses. This could be due to individuals taking winter holidays in sunny destinations, forgetting their sun protection regimen. On the contrary, this sun-seeking behavior may not be as prevalent in the summer when people are more conscious of the risks, perhaps due to the consistent warm weather.
The phenomenon isn’t just about human activity, though. The angle of the sun changes with the seasons, affecting the amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. In summer, the sun is more directly overhead, leading to a concentration of UV radiation. But the sun’s rays can be deceptive in the colder months when people might be less likely to take precautionary measures.
Climate also plays an indirect role. Regions with more cloud cover or higher altitudes can experience different patterns of basal-cell carcinoma incidence. For example, places with frequent cloud cover may paradoxically have higher rates, perhaps because people underestimate the penetrating power of UV rays through clouds.
Overall, the seasonal nuances in basal-cell carcinoma occurrence bring attention to the complex factors contributing to this disease. Whether it’s behavioral tendencies or climatic subtleties, the seasonality aspect calls for more nuanced public awareness campaigns, tailored to different times of the year. (12)
