Factors Affecting the Costs of Skin Cancer Patients: A Study in Southern Iran

Skin cancer is a significant public health problem; it is one of the most commonly occurring cancers worldwide and imposes a high economic burden on society.

This study aimed to elucidate the key factors affecting the cost of skin cancer in patients residing in southern Iran.

A comprehensive list of cost-affecting factors for skin cancer was developed through a scoping review of relevant literature from multiple databases (PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, SID, and Magiran), supplemented by expert input from skin cancer specialists. Subsequently, the data about 216 skin cancer patients selected randomly were collected between March 2020 and March 2022. The factors affecting the costs of skin cancer were determined using SPSS 13.0 software through statistical tests and multiple regression analysis.

Multiple linear regression analysis identified mortality (p < 0.001), inpatient days (p < 0.001), and skin cancer type (p = 0.056) as key cost drivers. Mortality had the strongest impact, increasing costs by $78,249 per case (95% CI: ±$12,433), followed by each additional inpatient day ($4884 ± $845). Melanoma cases incurred $3727 higher costs than non-melanoma cases.

In conclusion, mortality, cancer type, and inpatient days were key cost drivers in skin cancer management. To mitigate these, we recommend nationwide high-risk screening, hospitalization reduction strategies, and prevention programs. Targeted mortality reduction requires early detection initiatives and public education on warning signs.