Epidemiology

Non-melanoma skin cancers, also referred to as 'keratinocyte cancers', are the most common class of skin cancers.[5] Worldwide, there were an estimated 1.2 million new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer (excluding basal cell carcinoma), with an estimated 70,000 deaths in 2022.[6]​​​

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common non-melanoma skin cancer worldwide (after basal cell carcinoma). SCCs are most frequently observed in photoexposed skin, often in people >40 years of age. Men have a higher incidence than women, and those with Fitzpatrick skin type I and II (white) are at increased risk.[7][8][9]​​

SCC incidence is highest near the equator and doubles with each 8° to 10° decrement in geographic latitude.[10]​ However, in the UK, incidence rates of non-melanoma skin cancer have increased by 166% between 1990s and 2017.[11]

Of note, SCC is the most common skin cancer in patients with Fitzpatrick skin type V and VI (brown and black) skin types and in organ transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive drugs (especially those with white skin and a history of significant sun exposure).[12]​​[13][14]​​[15] NIH: skin cancer treatment PDQ - health professional version Opens in new window​​​​​

Tropical Australia has the highest incidence of all types of skin cancer, with incidence of SCC of around 1/100 for the population of white people.[16] In England, a study of first primary SCC between 2013 and 2015 showed a rate of 77.3 per 100,000 person-years for male patients and 34.1 per 100,000 person-years for female patients.[17]

In a US study, the lifetime risk of SCC was estimated to be 9% to 14% in men, and 4% to 9% in women.[18] The approximate annual incidence is >100,000 in the US.[19] Data from a US population-based cohort indicates that the overall incidence of SCC increased by 263% between 1976-1984 and 2000-2010.[20]

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