Tornado plot of a one-way sensitivity analysis comparing the WA SunSmart program to no program. Image credit: Health Promotion International (2024). DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daae091
Cancer Council WA has welcomed a new study showing its SunSmart program saves both money and lives. Published in Health Promotion InternationalResearch confirms that the SunSmart program is expected to prevent 300,000 cases of skin cancer, save 1,000 lives and return $8.70 to the public for every dollar spent over the next 20 years.
Melissa Ledger, Director of Cancer Prevention and Research at Cancer Council WA, said: “We know that skin cancer prevention programs work and it is reassuring that after all the years of running skin cancer prevention programs in WA, we can now measure the size of these efforts.”
“Today we pause and celebrate 20 years of success for WA’s SunSmart program and the benefits our program will deliver over the next 20 years with our funding partners Cancer Network WA and Healthway,” Ledger said.
“For the Government of Western Australia, the estimated return on investment is $8.70 per dollar invested. That equates to a profit of more than $166 million over 20 years.”
“The results also support increased and sustained investment in a skin cancer prevention strategy to ensure that skin cancer prevention is given the priority it deserves.”
“Such a strategy must include public awareness campaigns and targeted messages for at-risk groups such as outdoor workers and young people, stricter regulations on shading in public places and buildings, and investment in research and training for healthcare professionals in early detection.”
“We cannot rest on our laurels; we need a coordinated and comprehensive approach to reducing excessive UV exposure to reduce the impact of skin cancer.”
Lead author Prof. Louisa Collins said the cost of treating advanced melanoma, which is around $100,000 per patient, is critical for our health care system to prevent preventable cancer in the first place.
“Of all cancers in our health care system, skin cancer is the most common and most expensive to treat,” Collins said.
“Given the increasing number of skin cancer cases, the healthcare costs of treating and caring for skin cancer are expected to rise rapidly.”
Further information:
Louisa G Collins et al, Cost-effectiveness analysis and return on investment of SunSmart Western Australia for skin cancer prevention, Health Promotion International (2024). DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daae091
For more information on sun protection visit myuv.com.au.
Provided by Cancer Council Australia
Quote: Study shows Australian program could save nearly 1,000 lives in next 20 years (26 August 2024), accessed 26 August 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-08-australian-years.html
This document is subject to copyright. Except for the purposes of private study or research, no part of it may be reproduced without written permission. The contents are for information purposes only.
