The current state of the issue of diagnosis and treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer in elderly patients

Introduction. Old age is a significant risk factor for all types of skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancer (NSCLC) is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer worldwide and especially affects the elderly. In 2019, in the Russian Federation, NSCLC accounted for 10.6% of the total number of oncological diseases in men and 15.2% in women. During the same period, there was an increase in the incidence: by 7.9% in men and by 17.9% in women. The average age of patients with this disease was 69.7 years. Aim. to analyze the literature on the prevalence of NSCLC among the elderly, the unique problems faced by patients, as well as recent advances in treatment. Materials and methods. Research papers were searched in the databases eLibrary, PubMed and Google Scholar until September 2024. The selection of publications was carried out according to the recommendations of PRISMA. 78 studies were included in the review. Results. The review highlights the importance of adapted approaches to the treatment of NSCLC in the elderly. Given the increasing prevalence of NSCLC in older people, meeting their special needs and concerns is of paramount importance. Ongoing research in this area can improve treatment outcomes and improve the quality of life of elderly patients with NSCLC. The future of geriatric dermatology is likely to depend on these advances providing a more complete understanding of treatments for NSCLC in the elderly. Conclusion. As the field of dermatology continues to evolve, an individual approach to the treatment of NSCLC in the elderly will be crucial. Active collaboration between healthcare professionals, patients and their families is essential for making informed treatment decisions. Further research is needed to clarify the recommendations and treatment strategies for older people, with a particular focus on optimizing therapeutic outcomes while minimizing the physical, emotional and social impact of NSCLC and its treatment.