Epidemiology

Nonmelanoma 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 nonmelanoma skin cancer (excluding basal cell carcinoma), with an estimated 70,000 deaths in 2022.​​[6]

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common nonmelanoma skin cancer worldwide (after basal cell carcinoma), with an approximate annual incidence of >100,000 in the US.[7] 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.[8][9][10]

In a US study, the lifetime risk of SCC was estimated to be 9% to 14% in men, and 4% to 9% in women.[11] Data from a US population-based cohort indicates that the overall incidence of SCC increased by 263% between 1976-1984 and 2000-2010.[12]

SCC incidence is highest near the equator and doubles with each 8° to 10° decrement in geographic latitude.[13] However, in the UK, incidence rates of nonmelanoma skin cancer have increased by 166% between 1990s and 2017.[14] 

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).[15]​​[16][17][18]​ NIH: skin cancer treatment PDQ - health professional version Opens in new window​​​​​​​​

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