Health system costs of skin cancer and cost-effectiveness of skin cancer prevention and screening

Abstract

The objective of this study was to review the literature for malignant melanoma, basal and squamous cell carcinomas to understand: (a) national estimates of the direct health system costs of skin cancer and (b) the cost-effectiveness of interventions for skin cancer prevention or early detection. A systematic review was performed using Medline, Cochrane Library and the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Databases as well as a manual search of reference lists to identify relevant studies up to 31 August 2013. A narrative synthesis approach was used to summarize the data. National cost estimates were adjusted for country-specific inflation and presented in 2013 euros. The CHEERS statement was used to assess the quality of the economic evaluation studies. Sixteen studies reporting national estimates of skin cancer costs and 11 cost-effectiveness studies on skin cancer prevention or early detection were identified. Relative to the size of their respective populations, the annual direct health system costs for skin cancer were highest for Australia, New Zealand, Sweden and Denmark (2013 euros). Skin cancer prevention initiatives are highly cost-effective and may also be cost-saving. Melanoma early detection programmes aimed at high-risk individuals may also be cost-effective; however, updated analyses are needed. There is a significant cost burden of skin cancer for many countries and health expenditure for this disease will grow as incidence increases. Public investment in skin cancer prevention and early detection programmes show strong potential for health and economic benefits.

Mobile teledermatology for skin cancer screening

“…[2,3] Owing to superficial growth and natural course running through preclinical stages, skin cancer is highly amenable for screening interventions with potential economical and health-benefits. [4,5] The selection of the population to screen, the kind of healthcare professionals to appoint, and the type of clinical assessment to perform, however, are still to debate. Moreover, the effectiveness of skin cancer screening in general still remains to be determined.…”

The role of spatially-derived access-to-care characteristics in melanoma prevention and control in Los Angeles county

“…One strategy that may improve current early melanoma detection programs is to identify, target and screen individuals who are at increased risk of presenting melanoma at later stages (Gordon and Rowell, 2015; Losina et al, 2007). Since 98% of patients diagnosed with localized melanoma continue to survive five years after their diagnosis (American Cancer Society California Division and Public Health Institute California Cancer Registry, 2008), and 89% of the total annual cost of melanoma treatment is spent on treating late-stage disease (Guy et al, 2015; Tsao et al, 1998), this targeted approach may decrease mortality rates and provide substantial economic savings to the public.…”

Can skin cancer prevention be improved through mobile technology interventions? A systematic review

“…Keratinocyte cancers cost an estimated $703 million AUD for diagnosis, treatment, and pathology during 2015, while the total cost of treatment for melanomas in 2012 was over $70 million AUD. These costs place an increasing burden on the Australian health care system (Fransen et al, 2012;Gordon and Rowell, 2015); however, skin cancer prevention initiatives can be highly cost-effective .…”