Burden of skin cancer in Belgium and cost-effectiveness of primary prevention by reducing ultraviolet exposure
Menée en Belgique à partir d'une simulation incorporant notamment des données du registre national des cancers, cette étude estime, pour la période 2014-2064, l'évolution de la prévalence des cancers de la peau (carcinome basocellulaire, carcinome spinocellulaire, mélanome), le coût associé à leur prise en charge, puis évalue le rapport coût-efficacité d'une politique de prévention primaire s'appuyant sur des campagnes de sensibilisation et/ou sur l'interdiction des cabines de bronzage pour réduire l'exposition aux ultraviolets
Skin cancer (melanoma- and non-melanoma skin cancer) is one of the most rapidly increasing cancers worldwide. This study analysed the current and future economic burden of skin cancer in Belgium and the cost-effectiveness of primary prevention of skin cancer. A retrospective bottom-up cost-of-illness study was performed, together with a Markov model in order to analyse the cost-effectiveness and the budget impact analysis of primary prevention of skin cancer in Belgium. Total prevalence of skin cancer in Belgium was estimated to triple in the next 20 years. The total economic burden of skin cancer in 2014 in Belgium was estimated at €106 million, with a cumulative cost of €3 billion in 2034. The majority of this total cost was due to melanoma (65%). Over a period of 50 years, both a sensitisation campaign and a total ban on sunbed use would lead to a gain in quality-adjusted life-years and cost-savings. For every euro invested in the campaign, €3.6 would be saved on the long-term for the healthcare payer. Policy makers and clinicians should promote UV protection strategies, as they were estimated to be dominant strategies.
Preventive Medicine , résumé, 2015