The incidence of keratinocyte skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), has rapidly increased over the past five decades in fair-skinned populations worldwide. SCC accounts for about 20% of keratinocyte skin cancers and is predominantly affecting older individuals. While the mortality rate is relatively low, SCC poses a significant healthcare burden due to its high morbidity, especially when multiple tumors occur. This review focuses on the epidemiology of keratinocyte skin cancer, with a detailed analysis of SCC in Queensland, Australia; the United States; and northern Europe. The incidence rates of keratinocyte skin cancer are much higher than those of melanoma and are primarily attributed to increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The development of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is mainly due to intense UV exposure during childhood and adolescence, while SCC is related to chronic, cumulative UV exposure over decades. Despite relatively low mortality rates, SCC is an increasing problem for healthcare services, significantly impacting older age groups. The review also highlights the challenges in registering nonmelanoma skin cancer, including underestimation of the true burden and difficulties in recording tumor-associated deaths. Future projections indicate that the incidence of SCC is expected to continue rising, driven by demographic changes and climate-related increases in UV exposure. Effective preventive measures and improved screening programs are urgently needed to address this growing healthcare challenge.The incidence of keratinocyte skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), has rapidly increased over the past five decades in fair-skinned populations worldwide. SCC accounts for about 20% of keratinocyte skin cancers and is predominantly affecting older individuals. While the mortality rate is relatively low, SCC poses a significant healthcare burden due to its high morbidity, especially when multiple tumors occur. This review focuses on the epidemiology of keratinocyte skin cancer, with a detailed analysis of SCC in Queensland, Australia; the United States; and northern Europe. The incidence rates of keratinocyte skin cancer are much higher than those of melanoma and are primarily attributed to increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The development of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is mainly due to intense UV exposure during childhood and adolescence, while SCC is related to chronic, cumulative UV exposure over decades. Despite relatively low mortality rates, SCC is an increasing problem for healthcare services, significantly impacting older age groups. The review also highlights the challenges in registering nonmelanoma skin cancer, including underestimation of the true burden and difficulties in recording tumor-associated deaths. Future projections indicate that the incidence of SCC is expected to continue rising, driven by demographic changes and climate-related increases in UV exposure. Effective preventive measures and improved screening programs are urgently needed to address this growing healthcare challenge.