Skin cancer in older people is on the rise, especially men in wealthier nations

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2025-05-22 01:00

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A worldwide assessment of skin cancers in older adults by Chinese scientists has found the burden of these diseases increased between 1990 and 2021, with Australia and New Zealand second only to the US in terms of overall skin cancer rates, and with the highest incidence of melanomas. The biggest increases were seen among men living in wealthier countries. The researchers also used computer simulations to predict the future of skin cancers, and say the incidence of keratinocyte cancer, sometimes referred to as non-melanoma skin cancer, is likely to increase by 2050, but the burden of melanomas is likely to decrease. To arrive at their conclusions, the team used data from the Global Burden of Diseases study, a large-scale effort to chart health across the globe produced by a network of scientists from more than 160 countries. The results highlight the need for more effective prevention and management strategies targeting high-risk groups, the authors conclude.