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Elderly Australians at Greater Risk of Non-melanoma Skin Cancer Death
April 14, 2008 at 2:21 PM
Senior Health News
Researchers at the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) found that the mortality from non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), generally considered less dangerous than melanoma, is affecting older Australians at a disturbing rate.
The team found that West Australians above the age of 69, especially men, accounted for 70 percent of deaths from non-melanoma skin cancer in WA, and most primary cancers occurred in areas of high sun exposure.
The study has prompted health experts to urge older people to stay vigilant about sun protection and get regular skin checks.
The Cancer Council WA Director of Education and Research and co-author of the paper, Terry Slevin, said the study's results should act as a strong reminder for older West Australians to check their skin and see their doctor at the first sign of anything suspicious.
"Older people may have become blasé about NMSC because for the most part they can just be cut out, but as this research shows, NMSC is serious and can be deadly if left untreated," he said.
"It's important people understand that NMSCs are preventable from middle age - it's wrong to think all the damage to our skin is done in childhood and nothing can be done after that to avoid skin cancer," he added.
The team found that 70 percent of deaths from NMSC occurred among people aged 70 years and over. More than 70 per cent of those were men, and in most cases the primary cancer developed on the face, ears, hands or scalp.
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