Key Statistics for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin

Learn about key statistics for squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the skin, also known as squamous cell skin cancers, including how common they are, who is most affected, and the outlook for those with a diagnosis.

How common is squamous cell carcinoma of the skin?

Skin cancers are by far the most common of all types of cancer in the United States. Most of these are basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). About 2 out of 10 skin cancers are SCCs.

One widely used estimate has suggested that more than 5 million BCCs and SCCs are diagnosed each year in the US, with more than 1 million of these being SCCs.

However, the exact number of people in the US who develop or die from SCCs each year isn’t known because SCCs are not reported to and tracked by cancer registries.

The number of these cancers has been increasing for many years. This is probably from a combination of better skin cancer detection, people getting more sun exposure, and people living longer.

Who gets squamous cell skin cancer?

Anyone can get SCC, but the risk goes up as people get older. These cancers are also more common among men and among people with lighter skin tones.

Learn more in Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin.

What is the outlook for those with squamous cell carcinomas?

Although squamous cell skin cancers are common, deaths from these cancers are not. For the US, it’s estimated that about 4,000 to 9,000 people die from SCCs each year.

Deaths are more likely when SCC is advanced, has high-risk features, or occurs in someone with a weakened immune system.