Slip, slop, slap – it’s never too late
A new Western Australian study has revealed the mortality from non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is affecting older Australians at a worrying rate.
These skin cancers are commonly considered less dangerous than melanoma, but researchers at the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research found people over 69, especially men, accounted for 70% of deaths from non-melanoma skin cancer in WA.
Terry Slevin, from the Cancer Council WA and co-author of the paper, said the study’s results should act as a strong reminder for older people to check their skin.
“It’s important people understand that non-melanoma skin cancers 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.”
In most cases the cancer developed on the face, ears, hands or scalp. Squamous cell carcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma were the most common NMSC causes of death.
