Incidence and prevalence of non‐melanoma skin cancer in <scp>A</scp>ustralia: A systematic review

Abstract

Abstract Non‐melanoma skin cancer ( NMSC ), including basal cell carcinoma ( BCC ) and squamous cell carcinoma ( SCC ), is the most common cancer occurring in people with fair skin. A ustralia has been reported to have the highest incidence of NMSC in the world. Using a systematic search of the literature in EMBASE and M edline, we identified 21 studies that investigated the incidence or prevalence of NMSC in A ustralia. Studies published between 1948 and 2011 were identified and included in the analysis. There were six studies that were conducted on national level, two at state level and 13 at the regional level. Overall, the incidence of NMSC had steadily increased over calendar‐years in A ustralia. The incidence of NMSC per 100 000 person‐years was estimated to be 555 in 1985; 977 in 1990; 1109 in 1995; 1170 in 2002 and 2448 in 2011. The incidence was higher for men than women and higher for BCC than SCC . Incidence varied across the states of A ustralia, with the highest in Q ueensland. The prevalence of NMSC was estimated to be 2% in A ustralia in 2002. The incidence and prevalence of NMSC still need to be accurately established at both national and state levels to determine the costs and burden of the disease on the public health system in A ustralia.

Keywords

Affiliated Institutions

• Sinclair Dermatology AU
• The University of Melbourne AU
• Cancer Council Victoria AU

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