Epidemiology of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer in Europe over the Last Decade: A Systematic Review.

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.