Epidemiology of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer in Europe over the Last Decade: A Systematic Review
Year: 2026
Type: review
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), principally basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), is incompletely captured by cancer surveillance. OBJECTIVE: To synthesize European epidemiological evidence, with Poland considered in this context. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for publications dated 1 January 2015-31 March 2026, supplemented by registry resources and reference-list searching. Additional eligibility checks during manuscript revision continued until 30 August 2026. The publication-date criterion was distinct from the observation periods of source data. Source-level methodological appraisal informed a descriptive synthesis. RESULTS: The consolidated selection record comprised 198 records, 165 screened records, 61 full-text assessments, 37 full-text exclusions, and 24 included sources. Several registry-based studies reported increasing BCC or cSCC incidence in defined populations. Model-based age-standardized trends varied by geography, sex, age, and observation period. These results do not establish a uniform European increase. Polish estimates were affected by histological aggregation and incomplete ascertainment. Selected pandemic-period studies reported fewer diagnoses or changes in the treated case mix; these findings do not establish a Europe-wide decline in biological incidence or subsequent rebound. CONCLUSIONS: NMSC creates a substantial and incompletely measured European burden. Histology-specific registration, explicit multiple-primary counting rules, and improved outpatient capture are priorities for interpreting trends and planning care.
Source: Cancers
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
OpenAlex ID: W7212653934