Exploring Emergency Presentations Linked to Malignant Skin Cancer in Australia

Emergency department (ED) presentations can significantly influence cancer mortality rates, particularly among patients diagnosed with malignant skin cancers. A recent study conducted by a team of researchers from the Royal Melbourne and Western Health hospitals sheds light on the prevalence, frequency, and risk factors associated with such emergency presentations in Australian patients. This data-linkage cohort study analyzed 3,873 patients diagnosed with skin malignancies between 2010 and 2018, revealing critical insights into the demographics and conditions leading to ED visits.

The findings of this study, published in the journal *Oncology Advances* on June 27, 2025, indicate that 29% of the patients studied experienced at least one ED presentation following their cancer diagnosis, amounting to 2,119 episodes of care. The median number of ED visits was noted to be zero, with a range extending up to 14 visits for some patients.

According to Dr. David Izon, lead researcher and oncologist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, "Our study identifies key demographic factors that contribute to emergency presentations, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to mitigate risks associated with malignant skin cancers." Among the prominent risk factors identified were age, gender, socioeconomic status, preferred language, and prior cancer treatment experiences. Specifically, the study noted that patients aged 75 years and older were nearly twice as likely to present to the ED (odds ratio [OR] = 1.78), and those who identified as male had a 17% increased risk (OR = 1.17).

Additionally, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds (0-30%) and those belonging to higher socioeconomic levels (71-100%) also exhibited heightened risks of emergency presentations, with ORs of 1.59 and 1.30, respectively. Language barriers, specifically patients whose primary language was not English, presented a concerning trend, with an OR of 1.47. More alarming was the finding that patients undergoing systemic therapy or radiotherapy had a significantly higher risk of ED presentations (OR = 3.77).

Dr. Sarah Johnson, a Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Sydney, underscored the importance of these findings: "Understanding the demographics of patients who frequently utilize emergency services following a skin cancer diagnosis allows for enhanced healthcare planning and resource allocation. This is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing unnecessary emergency visits."

The implications of these findings extend beyond clinical settings, raising questions about healthcare accessibility and the need for comprehensive support systems for at-risk populations. For instance, patients with a history of systemic therapies exhibited a notable increase in ED presentations, suggesting a potential gap in post-treatment care and management.

The study's results may inform public health strategies aimed at improving the overall management of skin cancer patients. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reported that skin cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia, with over 13,000 new melanoma cases recorded annually, further highlighting the urgency of addressing these risk factors.

Looking ahead, researchers suggest that future studies should explore longitudinal data to better understand the long-term outcomes of patients diagnosed with malignant skin cancers. Additionally, integrating social determinants of health into cancer care protocols may lead to reduced emergency presentations and improved survival rates.

In conclusion, the study by Izon et al. provides critical insights into the factors influencing ED presentations following malignant skin cancer diagnosis in Australia. By addressing these risk factors, healthcare providers can enhance patient management strategies and ultimately improve outcomes for those affected by skin cancers.