Skin cancer, which includes both melanoma skin cancers and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), is a major health problem around the world. Although NMSCs, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), are the most prevalent, melanoma remains the most lethal. This systematic review and meta-analysis, following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, evaluated the epidemiology of skin cancer in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing patient demographics, cancer types, anatomical locations, and risk factors. A comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science yielded 11 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. These retrospective studies spanned diverse Saudi regions, with publication years ranging from 1993 to 2023 and sample sizes from 27 to 557 participants. Male predominance was evident, with males comprising up to 74.5% of participants in some studies. The prevalence of BCC ranged from 26% to 68.5%, SCC from 14.7% to 44.8%, and malignant melanoma (MM) from 3.5% to 11.7%. Head and neck regions were the most affected anatomical sites, reported in 46.95%-79.6% of cases. The pooled prevalence of BCC, SCC, and MM was 43%, 27%, and 8%, respectively, with significant heterogeneity among studies (I² > 50%). Male gender and ultraviolet (UV) exposure emerged as critical risk factors, with additional contributions from immunosuppression and genetic predispositions, such as xeroderma pigmentosum. High-quality studies identified robust epidemiological patterns, while moderate-quality studies highlighted gaps in controlling for confounders. These findings underscore the need for targeted skin cancer prevention and management strategies tailored to Saudi Arabia’s demographic and environmental profile. Addressing UV exposure, public awareness, and early detection remain pivotal.
Key words: Epidemiological patterns, skin cancer, Saudi Arabia, systematic review
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