Apart from being a deadly disease if not treated, skin cancer also has high costs for treatment. As per new research, amongst all forms of cancer, treating skin cancer is estimated as being the most expensive.
A new study just published online carried out by the Center for Disease Control determined what cancer was the most expensive to treat.
The treatment expenses for skin cancer have been steadily increasing and between 2002 and 2012 have more than doubled for U.S. patients.
An analysis suggests that between 2002 and 2006, the amount of adults who suffered from a form of skin cancer rose to 3.4 million and rose between 2007 and 2011 to almost 5 million.
During the same period, the treatment costs rose from $3.6 million to more than $8.1 billion annually.
An increase of nearly 126% was calculated, whereas other treatments for cancer exhibited increases in costs of 25%.
According to the study’s lead author these findings raise a red flag not just that skin cancer is a growing problem for the U.S., but its costs for treatment have skyrocketed in relation to other forms of cancer.
Skin cancer is also the cancer most commonly diagnosed in the U.S. and close to 5 million people in the U.S. are afflicted and subsequently treated each year.
According to the Center for Disease Control, the most prominent ways to prevent skin cancer are to avoid direct sunrays as well as staying inside during the middle part of the day.
While participating in activities outdoors, it is important to apply a SPF protection factor sunscreen of 15 or higher that also has UVB and UVA protection.
Wearing clothing that protects from ultraviolet A and B rays like long sleeves, hats and sunglasses, is also recommended by the CDC.
