The SunSmart program has prevented over 43,000 cases of skin cancer between 1988-2010 and saved $92 million in Victoria alone.

A new study shows that skin cancer treatment in hospitals costs around $50 million per year just in Victoria, and researchers argue that the cost burden of this largely preventable disease can be driven down.

Given the proven track record of skin cancer prevention measures, increased funding would further reduce the disease and hospital cost, say the researchers.

In a study to be published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, researchers estimated costs for skin cancer inpatient admissions, using state service statistics, and outpatient services based on attendance at three hospitals in 2012-13.

Cost-effectiveness for prevention was estimated from ‘observed vs expected’ analysis, together with program expenditure data.

It found that the SunSmart program had prevented more than 43,000 skin cancers between 1988 and 2010, for a net cost saving of $92 million.