Deakin University
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Economic evaluation of skin cancer prevention in Australia

journal contribution
posted on 2009-11-01, 00:00 authored by Ting-Fang Shih, Rob CarterRob Carter, C Sinclair, Cathy MihalopoulosCathy Mihalopoulos, T Vos
Objectives
Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world, despite prevention campaigns being implemented since the early 1980s. This study assesses the cost-effectiveness of a skin cancer prevention program (named SunSmart) since it was introduced, together with its potential cost-effectiveness as an upgraded and ongoing national program.

Methods
The reduction in melanoma incidence attributable to SunSmart was modelled as the primary end-point. Historical expenditures on SunSmart were obtained from representative Australian states in three latitude zones. Melanoma incidence rates from these states were used to model key health outcomes. Non-melanoma skin cancer was modelled separately based on national survey results.

Results
We estimate that SunSmart has averted 28,000 disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), equivalent to 22,000 life-years saved, in the state of Victoria since its introduction in 1988, as well as saving money from cost offset in skin cancer management (dominant). An upgraded national program for the next 20 years is estimated to avert 120,000 DALYs, with associated reductions in the use of health care resources. It remains a dominant intervention in which every dollar invested in SunSmart will return an estimated AU$2.30.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates that a sustained modest investment in skin cancer control is likely to be an excellent value for money.

History

Journal

Preventive medicine

Volume

49

Issue

5

Pagination

449 - 453

Publisher

Elsevier Inc.

Location

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

ISSN

0091-7435

eISSN

1096-0260

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2009, Elsevier