Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recent literature shows melanoma prevalence is steadily increasing, mainly due to UV radiation exposure, especially in Caucasians. Skin cancer causes $8.9 billion in direct annual cost and unmeasured indirect costs, but can be prevented by avoiding sun exposure, using protective creams, and regular dermatologists visits for suspicious nevi. METHODS: Using CDC data on non-Hispanic Caucasians, we conducted an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to examine the differences in age-adjusted melanoma incidence rates per 100,000. Quadratic Poisson, Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and Two-Stage Least Squares (TSLS) regressions were employed, with UV index and education levels-measured by the percentage of the population holding at least a bachelor's degree-as key explanatory variables. CONCLUSION: From a public policy standpoint, raising awareness about sun exposure protection and encouraging regular examinations by professional dermatologists, especially in sparsely populated areas with high UV radiation-could be crucial in reducing the remarkable costs associated with melanoma morbidity and treatment.