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Bioengineer
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Rising Burden of Skin Cancer in Older Adults: Trends from 1990 to 2021 and Projections Through 2050
- A recent study highlights the rising incidence of skin cancer among older adults globally, particularly affecting men in high sociodemographic index countries.
- Keratinocyte cancers, mainly basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are the most common skin malignancies, but official data collection on these cancers is incomplete and lacks race and ethnicity information.
- The study reveals a demographic skew towards older males in developed countries due to factors like cumulative UV radiation exposure and diminished DNA repair mechanisms with age.
- Challenges include incomplete data, underreporting in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure, and lack of detailed racial and ethnic data affecting risk assessment and policy formulation.
- The study urges enhanced research, standardized reporting protocols, and better utilization of electronic health records for improved cancer registries and risk stratification.
- Prevention strategies targeting older men in high-index countries are essential, and advancements in wearable UV sensors and diagnostic technologies offer promise for early detection.
- Immunotherapy and targeted molecular treatments show efficacy in advanced keratinocyte cancers, but accessibility and cost barriers persist, emphasizing the need for global efforts to democratize these treatments.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals is crucial to address skin cancer comprehensively, integrating socio-economic factors, environmental policies, and personalized medicine approaches.
- The study serves as a call to action for policymakers, clinicians, and researchers to prioritize preventive and therapeutic measures to combat the growing burden of skin cancer in older adults.
- The research underscores the importance of improving data infrastructure, adopting innovative technologies, ensuring equitable healthcare delivery, and implementing targeted public health interventions to mitigate the rise of keratinocyte cancers.
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