Skin Cancer Costs Have Dramatically Increased From Other Cancers

Statistics show that the cost of skin cancer treatments have rapidly increased over the past few years. Researchers note that rates have soared five times faster when compared to the costs of treatments for other kinds of cancers, according to recent findings published in the American Journal of Prevention Medicine.

"It's clear that not enough has been done in terms of skin cancer prevention behaviors," said Guy according to the Washington Post. "In a lot of these cases, skin cancer, for the most part, is preventable. We know sun safety and avoiding indoor tanning go a long way."

For the findings, researchers analyzed national data between 2002 and 2011. They discovered that from 2002-2006 to 2007-2011, the average yearly number of skin cancer cases in adults increased from 3.4 million to 4.9 million. Yet during the same two periods, the average annual cost of treatment for skin cancer also more than doubled from $3.6 billion to $8.1 billion, with an increase of 126 percent. Furthermore, researchers believe that costs have risen by an estimated 25 percent.

"The findings raise the alarm that not only is skin cancer a growing problem in the United States, but the costs for treating it are skyrocketing relative to other cancers," said study lead author Gery Guy, of the division of cancer prevention and control at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), via Health Day. "This also underscores the importance of skin cancer prevention efforts."

As skin cancer is the most commonly caused health issue due to excessive exposure from the sun's ultraviolet rays, CDC officials recommend that that people regularly wear sunscreen, avoid indoor tanning and seek shade while outdoors.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the study "Prevalence and Costs of Skin Cancer Treatment in the U.S., 2002-2006 and 2007-2011."