Background: Actinic keratoses (AKs) are very common and it is therefore important to consider how morbidity of this disease impacts quality of life (QoL). Previous longitudinal studies of skin-related QoL in a high-risk population found no effect of increased AK counts on subsequent skin-related QoL, even though higher AK counts were associated with worse skin-related QoL cross-sectionally.
Objectives: To determine if development of new actinic keratoses (AKs) are associated with worse skin-related QoL in those at high risk of keratinocyte carcinoma (KC).
Materials and methods: A prospective analysis was performed using data from the Veterans Affairs Keratinocyte Carcinoma Chemoprevention Trial, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of topical 5-fluorouracil for chemoprevention of KC. We report correlates of skin-related quality of life, a secondary outcome of the trial. Demographic and health-related information were self-reported and AK multiplicity on the face/ears were noted on semi-annual skin exams. Skindex-29 and Skin Cancer Index instruments were used to assess skin-related QoL yearly.
Results: Participants with increased AK counts had worse skin-related QoL compared to those with unchanged or decreased counts, particularly in Year 1.
Conclusion: Our findings of impaired skin-related QoL associated with AKs underscore the importance of appropriate management to reduce the burden of disease.
Keywords: Actinic keratosis; basal cell carcinoma; keratinocyte carcinoma; quality of life; skin cancer index; squamous cell carcinoma.