Equitable Access to Sunscreen as Skin Cancer Primary Prevention for Children from Low-Income Families: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Estimates on the financial burden of skin cancer treatment have rapidly increased from $3.6 billion for 3.4 million patients in 2002- 2006 to $8.9 billion for 6.1 million patients in 2016-2018, outpacing other cancers in treatment costs per patient and number of patients being treated. High frequency of sunburns, particularly in childhood, has been associated with increased risk of developing skin cancer, highlighting the preventative value of early sunscreen use— yet access to adequate sunscreen remains cost-prohibitive for many low-income families on Medicaid. My research project will use standard cost effectiveness modeling software with the most current economic and cancer estimates to reflect both the U.S. and New York State population.This work will investigate the impact of equitable access to sunscreen for children from low-income families, paving the way for further research and collaboration toward primary prevention against skin cancer.