Described are methods for treating hyperproliferative disorders, including cancers, by administering to the affected mammal (e.g., human) an effective amount of a composition comprising pTT or a composition comprising one or more oligonucleotides which share at least 50% nucleotide sequence identity with the human telomere overhang repeat. Methods of treatment or prevention of hyperproliferative diseases or pre-cancerous conditions affecting epithelial cells, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or hyperproliferative or UV-responsive dermatoses, hyperproliferative diseases of other epithelia and methods for reducing photoaging, or oxidative stress or for prophylaxis against or reduction in the likelihood of the development of skin cancer, are also disclosed.