New Delhi: A new global study has found a sharp increase in skin cancer cases among older adults over the last three decades, raising serious public health concerns. Published in JAMA Dermatology, the study was conducted by researchers from the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University in China. It highlights that the aging population, especially men in wealthier countries, is facing a rapidly growing burden of skin cancer.
The researchers analyzed data from the Global Burden of Diseases 2021 study, covering 204 countries and territories. The data focused on adults aged 65 and older, revealing that about 4.4 million new cases of skin cancer were diagnosed in this age group in 2021 alone. The cancers studied included squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and melanoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma, which often begins as rough or scaly patches on the skin, showed an annual increase of approximately 2% from 1990 to 2021. Both basal cell carcinoma—commonly found on sun-exposed areas like the face—and melanoma—the most dangerous form of skin cancer—also showed steady growth over the same period. Among the three, SCC had the highest impact on health, contributing to the largest increase in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), a measure that reflects years lost due to ill health or early death.
The study also revealed regional differences. New Zealand and Australia recorded the highest rates of melanoma in people aged 65 and older in 2021. Meanwhile, East Asia experienced the most rapid rise in basal cell carcinoma cases, with annual increases of more than 6% in incidence, prevalence, and DALYs.
Researchers believe that the growing burden is tied to a combination of factors, including population growth, longer life expectancy, and increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation. They emphasized the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies, early diagnosis programs, and better healthcare resources to manage skin cancer, especially in high-risk populations.
The findings call for immediate public health action to reduce future cases and improve outcomes for older adults affected by skin cancer worldwide.