Skin cancer surges worldwide in older men in last 30 years: Study
Besides ageing, researchers at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University in China attributed the surge to the increase in population growth.
The study also cited a disproportionately higher burden of skin cancers in countries with higher sociodemographic index (SDI) levels.
'The older population (particularly male individuals and those living in high-SDI countries) is facing a substantial growing burden of skin cancer,' said the team in the paper published in JAMA Dermatology.
'The results highlight the urgency for more effective prevention and management strategies targeting high-risk groups,' they added.
In the study, researchers analysed about 4.4 million new skin-cancer cases -- melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma -- recorded in 2021 among older adults aged above 65 years and older. The data is based on the Global Burden of Diseases 2021, covering 204 countries and territories.
The findings showed that the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma -- that starts as a growth of cells on the skin -- soared by roughly 2 per cent per year from 1990 to 2021. Basal cell carcinoma -- most often develops on areas of skin exposed to the sun, such as the face; and melanoma -- the most serious type of skin cancer -- showed similarly steady gains.
Further, the study found that squamous cell carcinoma produced the steepest toll in terms of healthy years lost (DALYs) by 2021 compared with three decades earlier.
New Zealand and Australia recorded the highest 65 and older melanoma rates in 2021.
East Asia experienced the most rapid rise in basal cell carcinoma burden from 1990 to 2021, with average annual percentage increases exceeding 6 per cent for incidence, prevalence, and DALYs.
"These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies and resource allocation to address the growing public health challenge of skin cancer among the ageing population,' the researchers said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
3 days ago
- The Hindu
Global childhood vaccination slowed by pandemic: study
GUWAHATI Global childhood vaccination rates, hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, did not return to the pre-pandemic levels by 2023, a study published in The Lancet has revealed. The study also marked India among eight countries that accounted for more than half of the world's 15.7 million 'zero-dose' children in 2023. Zero-dose refers to children who did not receive the first dose of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP). The other seven countries are Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Somalia, and Sudan. 'The study highlights the progress and challenges in global childhood vaccination efforts from 1980 to 2023. it shows that the coverage for key vaccines for DTP, measles, polio, and tuberculosis nearly doubled over this period, but the positive trend hides some worrying developments,' Hemen Sarma, an associate professor at Assam's Bodoland University, said on July 24, 2025. A GBD (Global Burden of Diseases) senior collaborator with the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Mr Sarma is one of the authors of the study involving researchers worldwide. The study underscored the slowdown in the vaccination progress in many countries and territories between 2010 and 2019, with 21 out of 36 high-income nations witnessing a drop in coverage for at least one vaccine. It said the COVID-19 pandemic made things worse, 'with global rates for these vaccines declining sharply since 2020, and still not returning to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels as of 2023'. 'Vaccines introduced more recently, such as those for pneumonia, rotavirus, and the second dose of the measles vaccine, continued to expand during the pandemic, but at a slower pace. Only the third dose of DTP is expected to meet the global target of 90% coverage by 2030, and that too in the most optimistic scenarios,' Mr Sarma said. One of the concerns underlined by the study was the rise in the number of zero-dose children during the pandemic after dropping sharply from 1980 to 2019, peaking at 18.6 million in 2021. Most of these children live in conflict zones or areas with limited healthcare access, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The study has warned that unless urgent action is taken, global immunisation targets will not be met. It called for focused efforts to strengthen healthcare systems, fight vaccine misinformation, and reach the most underserved communities, especially in Africa and South Asia. Campaigns like the World Health Organisation's 'Big Catch-Up' and efforts to restore routine immunisation must prioritise these areas to regain lost ground and ensure every child is protected, the study said. The study has provided updated global, regional, and national estimates of routine childhood vaccine coverage across 204 countries and territories for 11 vaccine-dose combinations recommended by WHO for all children globally. Employing advanced modelling techniques, this analysis accounted for data biases and heterogeneity and integrated new methodologies to model vaccine scale-up and COVID-19 pandemic-related disruptions. To contextualise historic coverage trends and gains still needed to achieve the WHO's Immunisation Agenda 2030 coverage targets, the researchers assessed the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccine coverage, forecast coverage of select life-course vaccines up to 2030, and analysed the progress needed to reduce the number of zero-dose children by half between 2023 and 2030.
News18
18-07-2025
- News18
The Hidden Burden Of Vitiligo: Why Skin Treatments Alone Aren't Enough
Last Updated: People with vitiligo often carry a psychological burden. Experts have noted how this condition has considerable psychological and social impacts. Despite being widely perceived as a cosmetic condition, vitiligo carries a significant psychological burden, especially in societies where appearance holds more power. And with over a million people in India alone navigating this skin condition, experts say it's time we start treating vitiligo as a holistic health concern, not just a dermatological one. ' Vitiligo, frequently viewed as simply a cosmetic issue, has considerable psychological and social impacts, especially when depigmentation occurs on visible areas such as the face or hands," says Dr. Kanishka Meel, a psychiatrist on Practo. 'For many, it goes beyond the surface. Patients commonly experience poor self-esteem, chronic anxiety, body image problems, and even depression." The numbers back this up. A global study published in JAMA Dermatology reported that 55% of vitiligo patients experience moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Alarmingly, among Indian patients with visible lesions, this shoots up to nearly 90% – a statistic that reflects not just individual distress, but a deeper social failure. The Stigma of Being Seen The emotional toll is intensified by everyday experiences of social alienation. Many individuals living with vitiligo report being stared at, excluded, or treated as if their condition were contagious. 'The stigma surrounding vitiligo remains a difficult reality," Dr. Meel notes. 'There is a prevailing myth, especially in India, that vitiligo is a punishment for misdeeds in a past life. This karmic interpretation leads to shame and isolation, especially among women." This stigma doesn't just exist in public. It seeps into schools, workplaces, and families, shaping lives from a young age. Women, in particular, may face social rejection, reduced marital prospects, and professional hurdles, all stemming from the visibility of their condition. One lesser-discussed layer of emotional distress stems from fear about the condition being hereditary. 'Patients often express guilt or anxiety over whether their children might inherit the condition," Dr. Meel shares. 'This adds another layer of psychological strain that's often overlooked." Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder in which the body mistakenly attacks its pigment-producing cells. But that biological reality often creates a feedback loop with mental health. 'Long-term psychological stress can intensify autoimmune responses," explains Dr. Meel. 'There's a two-way relationship between depression and vitiligo – visible patches can trigger sadness and isolation, and depressive states may further compromise immune function and skin recovery," she adds. The Urgency of Early Care and Psychological Support Timely diagnosis and treatment can go a long way in managing vitiligo. From topical creams and light therapy to newer immunomodulatory strategies, dermatological treatments continue to advance. But Dr. Meel emphasises that treating the skin alone is not enough. 'Psychological counselling should be woven into treatment plans," she advises. 'Dermatologists should collaborate with psychiatrists to help patients navigate the emotional effects of the illness." Awareness programs in schools, workplaces, and communities can also shift public perception and support those who live with the condition. 'Support structures significantly alter the course. A subtle gesture – like a classmate correcting a misunderstanding, or a parent offering empathy – can strengthen someone's mental resilience enormously," she says. Can Diet Help Vitiligo Too? Possibly While there's no specific diet that cures vitiligo, nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods can help regulate immune function and reduce stress levels. Many patients also find value in lifestyle practices that focus on gut health, mindfulness, and emotional well-being, complementing medical care. In essence, early care, compassionate communities, and informed conversations are crucial to support those navigating vitiligo, not just as patients, but as whole human beings. First Published: July 18, 2025, 13:22 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
28-06-2025
- NDTV
Fungus, Cuts, HIV: That Pedicure Comes With Risks No One Tells You About
It was just another self-care day for 59-year-old Anita House from Flowery Branch, Georgia, when she and her sister headed to their usual local salon for some routine services. It was a place House had visited many times. However, things took a sharp turn when, just two days after her pedicure, a seemingly minor infection on her toe worsened rapidly. The infection grew so severe that House eventually had to get her toes amputated. This incident occurred in 2019. According to House, the infection likely started when a salon worker removed an ingrown toenail on her right foot's big toe. While this practice is quite common in many nail salons, House believes the technician cut a little too deep, causing excessive bleeding. "That's [my guess] of when bacteria got in. I can't prove it in a court of law, but if I was a betting woman, that would be my bet," she told Fox News. Unfortunately, House's story isn't the only one of its kind. In 2021, a Florida nail salon was ordered to pay Rs 14.5 crore (approx $1.75 million) to Clara Shellman, who lost her leg after a botched pedicure. According to Shellman and her lawyer, the salon used dirty tools that led to an infection and aggravated her peripheral arterial disease. Her foot had to be amputated during treatment. The salon, now permanently shut, bore full responsibility for the incident. Pedicures, though generally considered safe, can be dangerous when done incorrectly. From cuts and fungal infections to even life-threatening conditions like sepsis or HIV, poor hygiene and bad technique can have serious consequences. The Fish Pedicure Banned in many parts of the US, Canada and Europe, fish pedicures are becoming increasingly popular in India. You can even spot them being offered on busy street corners. Also known as fish spas or fish therapy, these treatments involve placing your feet in a tank of water filled with Garra rufa (or "doctor fish") that nibble away dead skin. The idea is to leave your feet smooth and exfoliated. But there are hidden risks. A 2018 case study published in JAMA Dermatology warned about a woman in her twenties who developed onychomadesis -- a condition where toenails detach and fall off -- after a fish pedicure. She had gone to a dermatologist after months of unexplained nail shedding. A 2024 report by Dermatocare adds that if someone with an open wound or infection dips their feet into a fish tank, the water can easily become contaminated. This can transmit bacterial infections and viruses like HIV or hepatitis to others. With more salons offering unusual options, from ice cream pedicures to wine soaks, it's clear that indulgent foot treatments are on trend. But when not done right, they can go very, very wrong. So, does this mean you should stop getting pedicures altogether? Not necessarily. But being cautious is key. Things To Keep In Mind Before Getting A Pedicure 1. Avoid shaving your legs beforehand Shaving creates micro-cuts on the skin, making it easier for bacteria to enter. Ideally, avoid shaving for at least 24 hours before your appointment. 2. Inspect the salon's hygiene practices Make sure the tools are sterilised and foot tubs are cleaned thoroughly between clients. Ask if they use disposable liners or hospital-grade disinfectant. 3. Don't let anyone cut your cuticles or ingrown nails Cutting cuticles can create open wounds and increase your infection risk. Push them back gently instead. And never allow a technician to remove ingrown nails; leave that to a medical professional. 4. Bring your own tools if possible If you can, carry your own nail file, buffer, and even clippers, to reduce exposure to reused equipment. 5. Don't get a pedicure if you have open cuts or infections If your feet have wounds, cracked skin, or even a bug bite, postpone your appointment. Bacteria can easily enter through compromised skin. 6. Choose a salon with a licence and trained technicians Not all salons operate within regulations. Opt for one that has visibly displayed licences and employs trained professionals. Pro Tip: Check Google review first. 7. Skip risky treatments like fish pedicures They may look fun and relaxing, but they come with too many hygiene and health risks to be worth it. 8. Diabetics should consult a doctor first If you have diabetes or poor circulation, even a small nick can be dangerous. Speak to a medical professional before booking a pedicure. Final Line While pedicures can be a form of self-care, they shouldn't come at the cost of your health. With just a few precautions and a little bit of awareness, you can enjoy your salon visits without fear. So, go ahead and treat yourself - but smartly.
