Review of The Status of Skin Cancer in Pakistan And South Asia During Hot Weather – Is Climate Change Contributing?

Abstract

Skin cancer is a growing public health concern in Pakistan, however, lack of cancer registry at national level makes availability of data scarce. Few regional reports from Karachi and Lahore have noted increase in its incidence. Skin cancers vary in pathophysiology and epidemiology as well as their possible causative factors. This perspective attempted to highlight a link between skin cancer and climate change. The main purpose was to give an overview and examine the existing literature on skin cancers in Pakistan and South Asia in this context. The available evidence on skin cancers from 2001 to 2025 was reviewed for finding these answers. The articles on skin cancers and its various sub-types like basal cell carcinoma, melanomas, and squamous cell carcinomas were retrieved from online databases sources like PubMed central, Google Scholar and Medline. The prevalence of skin cancers varies in different global regions with high proportions of 30 to 40% in US, Australia and European populations with melanoma being the most common of these cancers. Contrary to these high proportions, in South Asian region and Pakistan the prevalence of skin cancer varies between 2 to 4% with SCC and BCC being the most frequent types. Pakistan faces multiple climate related challenges; heatwaves, floods, and burden of infectious diseases. There are multifaceted links among skin cancer and climate change. The increased ultraviolet radiation exposure due to warm temperatures and longer day duration during summers, especially, as many people in rural and lower-income communities, work in agricultural and outdoor occupations. The longer day during summer encourage prolonged activities, thus, more sun exposure. There are biological effects as heat itself may amplify cancer-causing effects of UV rays. Another key issue is air pollution which can weaken skin protection barriers and exacerbate UV radiation. This multifaceted complex issue requires a multifaceted approach as solutions including public health campaigns to raise awareness, policy changes to promote sun safety, and investment in healthcare facilities to improve diagnostic and treatment capabilities. And above all, there needs detailed research investigations on this topic so that comprehensive data is available in the country and regions which may lead to improved policies and better situation through its implementation.