Epidemiology
This is the commonest skin cancer, usually affecting the middle aged or elderly. (1) The highest incidence is among Caucasians in tropical and sub-tropical regions and its incidence is related to repetitive and frequent sun exposure, as ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces DNA damage in keratinocytes. There is exponential increase of BCCs in relation to UV exposure. (2)
The incidence in the UK has been estimated at 128 new cases per 100,000 population in males and 105 per 100,000 in females. (3)
Reference
- Hu W, Fang L, Ni R, et al. Changing trends in the disease burden of non-melanoma skin cancer globally from 1990 to 2019 and its predicted level in 25 years. BMC Cancer. 2022 Jul 30;22(1):836.
- Xiang F, Lucas R, Hales S, et al. Incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer in relation to ambient UV radiation in white populations, 1978-2012: empirical relationships. JAMA Dermatol. 2014 Oct;150(10):1063-71.
- Cancer Research UK. Non-melanoma skin cancer statistics. Online 2026.
Create an account to add page annotations
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.