Rising Incidence of Skin Cancer Among Older Men as Global Population Ages

As the world's population continues to age, the prevalence of skin cancer among older adults, especially men, is experiencing a notable increase. Recent research conducted by the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University in China highlights a significant rise in skin cancer cases driven largely by demographic shifts and population growth. Skin cancer, already among the most expensive cancers to treat, is becoming an even greater public health concern due to the cumulative effects of long-term ultraviolet exposure, which is more prevalent in older individuals.

A comprehensive study published in JAMA Dermatology, titled "Burden of Skin Cancer in Older Adults From 1990 to 2021 and Modelled Projection to 2050," analyzed data from the Global Burden of Diseases 2021 registry across 204 countries. The investigation estimated over 4.4 million new skin cancer cases in individuals aged 65 and above in 2021, with projections indicating further increases by 2050. The study focused on three main types: melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma.

Findings show that from 1990 to 2021, the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma grew at an average rate of about 2% annually, effectively doubling over three decades. Basal cell carcinoma and melanoma also demonstrated consistent upward trends. The cumulative effect of these increases, combined with an expanding older population, resulted in millions more diagnoses and a higher burden of disease, measured through metrics like prevalence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).

Men bore approximately twice the disease burden compared to women, with countries possessing higher socio-economic status reporting the most cases. The data revealed stark regional differences, with New Zealand and Australia registering the highest melanoma rates among those aged 65 and older, along with elevated prevalence, mortality, and DALYs. East Asia experienced rapid growth in basal cell carcinoma cases, with annual increases exceeding 6%.

The findings underscore that much of the rising burden relates to factors like population growth and prolonged sun exposure over a lifetime, emphasizing the importance of early detection, preventive measures, and public awareness. Experts warn that without targeted intervention, the incidence of keratinocyte cancers, such as basal and squamous cell carcinomas, is expected to keep climbing, although melanoma rates may stabilize or decline.

This escalating public health challenge highlights the need for policymakers, healthcare providers, and individuals to prioritize skin cancer prevention and early diagnosis efforts to mitigate the impact on aging populations worldwide.