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Estimated Healthcare Costs of Melanoma in Australia Over 3 Years Post-Diagnosis

Author

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  • Thomas M. Elliott

    (QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
    Griffith University
    University of Technology)

  • David C. Whiteman

    (QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
    University of Technology)

  • Catherine M. Olsen

    (QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
    The University of Queensland)

  • Louisa G. Gordon

    (QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
    University of Technology
    The University of Queensland
    Queensland University of Technology)

Abstract

Background Skin cancer exerts a large and growing burden on health systems. With new pharmacotherapies for metastatic melanoma now available, a contemporary understanding of the cost burden of melanoma control is warranted. Objective To comprehensively assess the healthcare costs of malignant melanoma diagnosis and treatment in Australia, over 3 years after diagnosis. Methods We developed a decision-analytic model and micro-costing method to estimate the mean cost per patient for melanoma, incorporating all diagnostic and treatment modalities used in Australia (2017 AU$). By using the de-identified 10% sample of Medicare Benefits Scheme, we analysed health service use and supplemented our analyses with published estimates. We took a health system cost perspective, and addressed input uncertainty with sensitivity analyses. Results The mean annual cost per patient for melanoma stage 0/I/II was AU$1681 (US$1175) rising to AU$37,729 (US$26,365) for stage III resectable, and AU$115,109 (US$80,440) for stage III unresectable/IV. Three-year costs for stage III unresectable/IV were AU$187,720. Nationally, the annual estimated cost for treatment of all new cases of in situ and invasive melanomas was AU$201 million (95% CI: AU$187 to AU$216 million). When we included treatments for presumptive melanoma later found to be benign lesions, the estimated annual cost burden reached AU$272 million. Conclusion With rapidly rising treatment costs, there is a need to consider a comprehensive melanoma control strategy that includes primary prevention of skin cancers and cost-effective sun protection initiatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas M. Elliott & David C. Whiteman & Catherine M. Olsen & Louisa G. Gordon, 2017. "Estimated Healthcare Costs of Melanoma in Australia Over 3 Years Post-Diagnosis," Applied Health Economics and Health Policy, Springer, vol. 15(6), pages 805-816, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:aphecp:v:15:y:2017:i:6:d:10.1007_s40258-017-0341-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s40258-017-0341-y
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    Cited by:

    1. Mara Giavina-Bianchi & Raquel Machado de Sousa & Vitor Zago de Almeida Paciello & William Gois Vitor & Aline Lissa Okita & Renata PrĂ´a & Gian Lucca dos Santos Severino & Anderson Alves Schinaid & Rafa, 2021. "Implementation of artificial intelligence algorithms for melanoma screening in a primary care setting," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(9), pages 1-13, September.
    2. Mbathio Dieng & Robin M. Turner & Sarah J. Lord & Andrew J. Einstein & Alexander M. Menzies & Robyn P. M. Saw & Omgo E. Nieweg & John F. Thompson & Rachael L. Morton, 2022. "Cost-Effectiveness of PET/CT Surveillance Schedules to Detect Distant Recurrence of Resected Stage III Melanoma," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-13, February.
    3. Caroline G. Watts & Sally Wortley & Sarah Norris & Scott W. Menzies & Pascale Guitera & Lisa Askie & Graham J. Mann & Rachael L. Morton & Anne E. Cust, 2018. "A National Budget Impact Analysis of a Specialised Surveillance Programme for Individuals at Very High Risk of Melanoma in Australia," Applied Health Economics and Health Policy, Springer, vol. 16(2), pages 235-242, April.
    4. Louisa G. Gordon & William Leung & Richard Johns & Bronwen McNoe & Daniel Lindsay & Katharina M. D. Merollini & Thomas M. Elliott & Rachel E. Neale & Catherine M. Olsen & Nirmala Pandeya & David C. Wh, 2022. "Estimated Healthcare Costs of Melanoma and Keratinocyte Skin Cancers in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand in 2021," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-14, March.

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