Skin cancer
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Non-melanoma skin cancer (excluding basal cell carcinoma) is the third most common form of cancer for men and the fourth most common for women in Norway. In 2024, 3315 new cases were reported.
About skin cancer
All layers of the skin can give rise to cancer development. Skin cancer is divided into melanoma (melanoma) which is considered a separate type of cancer and non-melanoma skin cancer. The two largest histological subgroups of non-melanoma skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and is not recorded in the Cancer Registry's statistics. However, based on incidence in Sweden, it is estimated that there are 20 000-25 000 new cases annually in Norway.
This type of cancer is often referred to as the "mild" type, as it has a very good prognosis. It is a type of cancer that very rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it still needs to be treated because it will continue to grow and cause local damage to the skin.
Among the reportable diagnoses, squamous cell carcinoma constitutes the largest group of skin cancer. The other subgroups are significantly rarer, with 5-20 new cases annually. It is squamous cell carcinomas for which we present results on this page.
Key figures skin cancer 2024
Number of new cases
Men: 1776
Women: 1539
Rates - number of cases per 100,000
Men: 61.8
Women: 43.5
Cancer survivors - both genders
23,205 individuals as of 31.12.2024
Deaths (2023)
Men: 31
Women: 27
Cumulative risk of developing skin cancer up to the age of 80 - (2020-2024)
Men: 3.6 %
Women: 2.6 %
Risk factors
The main cause of skin cancer is sun exposure on unprotected skin and prolonged exposure to weather elements. Therefore, the face is particularly vulnerable. The lighter the skin, the greater the risk.
Long-term use of medications that suppress the immune system (for example, after organ transplantation) and previous radiation therapy can increase the risk.
Chronic irritation conditions and the hereditary conditions Gorlin syndrome and xeroderma pigmentosum are also risk factors.
The incidence of skin cancer increases with age.
Questions about cancer
The Cancer Registry is a research institution. Therefore, our specialists do not answer questions about diagnosis, investigation, treatment, or follow-up from patients or their relatives.
Inquiries about this information should be directed to your general practitioner, treating institution, or the Norwegian Cancer Society's advisory service at phone: +47 21 49 49 21.