Global Skin Cancer Burden From 1990 to 2023 and Projection to 2050 - Report - MDSpire

Global Skin Cancer Burden From 1990 to 2023 and Projection to 2050

  • By

  • Youyou Zhou

  • Weiming Zhong

  • Xulei Liu

  • Jianglin Zhang

  • July 1, 2026

Share

Clinical Report: Assessment of Global Skin Cancer Impact from 1990 to 2023

Background

Malignant skin cancers represent a growing global health concern, with rising incidence rates and significant morbidity. Understanding the epidemiological trends and projections is crucial for healthcare planning and resource allocation. This report highlights the disparities in skin cancer burden across different regions and socioeconomic contexts.

Data Highlights

Skin Cancer Type2023 Prevalence (cases per 100,000)Projected DALYs in 2050
MelanomaOceania: >3003.3 million
Squamous Cell CarcinomaUS: >2004.0 million
Basal Cell CarcinomaOceania: >200, North America: >150, Northern Europe: >1005.0 million

Key Findings

  • From 1990 to 2023, melanoma incidence increased by 258.8% in East Asia and 274.6% in Andean Latin America.
  • High-income North America saw a 10.5% decrease in melanoma incidence, while squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma increased by 154.1% and 34.6%, respectively.
  • Male prevalence rates for melanoma were higher than females, with 28.2 cases per 100,000 in males versus 25.6 in females in 2023.
  • DALYs for melanoma declined in high-SDI regions, while squamous cell carcinoma DALYs increased by 93.2% in low-SDI settings.
  • Projections indicate significant increases in DALYs for all skin cancers by 2050, particularly in low- and middle-SDI regions.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the increasing burden of skin cancers, particularly in low- and middle-SDI regions. This necessitates targeted prevention and treatment strategies to address the rising incidence and associated morbidity.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the urgent need for public health interventions and resource allocation to manage the growing burden of skin cancers globally, especially in vulnerable populations.

Related Resources & Content

  1. The ASCO Post, 2025 -- Cancer Deaths Expected to Rise to Over 18 Million in 2050
  2. Cutaneous melanoma: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up - PubMed
  3. JMIR Dermatology — ChatGPT-Generated Advice on Sun Protection and Skin Cancer Prevention Compared to American Academy of Dermatology Guidelines: Cross-Sectional Content Analysis
  4. The ASCO Post — Cancer Deaths Expected to Rise to Over 18 Million in 2050
  5. The ASCO Post — U.S. Skin Cancer Costs Rise From 2002 Through 2011
  6. Cancer Deaths Expected to Rise to Over 18 Million in 2050
  7. ChatGPT-Generated Advice on Sun Protection and Skin Cancer Prevention Compared to American Academy of Dermatology Guidelines: Cross-Sectional Content Analysis
  8. Cutaneous melanoma: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up - PubMed
  9. Table 23, Summary of Key Baseline and Trial Characteristics of CHECKMATE-76K and KEYNOTE-716 - Nivolumab (Opdivo) - NCBI Bookshelf
  10. Adjuvant Cemiplimab or Placebo in High-Risk Cutaneous Squamous-Cell Carcinoma | New England Journal of Medicine

Original Source(s)

Related Content