Abstract
Based on epidemiological data, a mathematical model predicted that a 78% reduction in lifetime risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer could be achieved if sunscreens that block 90% of ultraviolet-B radiation were used during the first 18 years of life. In spite of the effectiveness of this preventive health measure, the cost-effectiveness of this strategy is not clear. If a five percent discount rate is used, the cost per tumor prevented is approximately $10,000. This cost is far higher than the present cost of treating such tumors. Lower discount rates substantially improve the cost-effectiveness of this intervention and higher discount rates substantially lessen the intervention's cost-effectiveness.
The benefits of childhood sunscreen use are not confined to the reduction in risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Other benefits that should be considered in evaluating this therapy's cost-effectiveness include reduction in sunburn risk and retardation of photoaging. Given the relatively low absolute cost of this intervention, from the individual user's perspective, it is more likely the inconvenience of application than cost that stands as the greatest deterrent to sunscreen use.
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