Skin Cancer (Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Malignant Melanoma): New Cases, Treatment Practice, and Health Care Costs in New Brunswick, Canada, 2002–2010

Abstract

Background: In Canada, there is no formal process for registering nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC); thus, the epidemiology, treatment practices, and associated health costs are not well known. Objectives: To investigate trends in new cases of skin cancer, treatment practices, and health care costs in New Brunswick, Canada. Methods: Data were extracted from the Provincial Cancer Registry and New Brunswick administrative health databases for 2002–2010. Results: New cases: Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) was the most common skin cancer diagnosed, and incidence rates significantly increased between 1992 and 2010. Treatment practice: Dermatologists managed the majority (45%) of the overall skin cancer treatments. Health care costs: NMSC accounted for ˜80% of the health care costs for skin cancer and was dominated by BCC. Conclusions: Development of best practice treatment guidelines for NMSC in New Brunswick would improve future health care efficiencies, and standard protocols for registering new cases of NMSC in Canada would strengthen surveillance and reporting capacity.