Background: Skin cancer epidemiology varies by geography and ethnicity. While basal cell carcinoma predominates globally, squamous cell carcinoma may be more common in high-ultraviolet (UV) regions with darker-skinned populations. Materials and Methods: A 5-year retrospective cross-sectional study (2019-2023) of histologically confirmed skin cancers at Dhulikhel Hospital, Nepal. Data on demographics, histology, tumor sites, and risk factors were analyzed. Pearson correlation assessed the sun exposure association. Results: A total of 140 patients were included. The mean age was 60.04 ± 18.04 years, with 57.1% aged over 60. Males comprised 55% and women 45% (M:F ratio = 1.2:1). Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common skin cancer (52.9%), followed by basal cell carcinoma (42.1%) and melanoma (5%). The head and neck was the most frequently affected site. A history of prolonged sun exposure was present in 75.7% of patients, and a statistically significant correlation was found between sun exposure and skin cancer (Pearson correlation = 0.191, p = 0.024). Six patients had xerodermapigmentosum. Conclusion: Squamous cell carcinoma predominates in Dhulikhel Hospital, Kavre, contrasting global Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) trends. Elderly males with high sun exposure are most affected, highlighting ultraviolet(UV) radiation's role.
Shrestha et al. (Mon,) studied this question.