Age group‐specific changes in keratinocyte cancer treatment rates in Australia, 2012–2021: a retrospective cohort study based on MBS claims data

Abstract

Objectives: To examine recent changes in the numbers of Medicare‐subsidised keratinocyte cancer excisions, particularly for younger people exposed to primary prevention campaigns since the early 1980s. Study design: Retrospective cohort study; analysis of administrative data. Setting, participants: Analysis of Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) claims data for procedures related to the diagnosis and treatment of keratinocyte cancer in Australia, 2012–2021. Main outcome measures: Age‐standardised rates for MBS‐subsidised claims for first surgical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) excisions, Mohs surgery, surgical excisions of benign lesions, skin biopsies, and cryotherapy or serial curettage of premalignant and malignant lesions, overall, and by sex, state/territory, and age group; average annual percentage change in rate for time intervals determined by joinpoint regression. Results: In men, the age‐standardised rate of BCC/SCC excisions increased by 1.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–2.4%) per year during 2012–2019 (from 2931 to 3371 per 100 000 men) and then declined by 3.8% (95% CI, 0.5–7.0%) per year during 2019–2021 (to 3152 per 100 000). In women, the age‐standardised rate increased by 2.2% (95% CI, 1.7–2.8%) per year during 2012–2019 (from 1798 to 2093 per 100 000 women); the decline to 1967 excisions per 100 000 women in 2021 was not statistically significant. BCC/SCC excision rates declined for men under 55 years of age (by 1.0–3.4% per year) and women under 45 years of age (by 1.7–2.3% per year). Age‐standardised biopsy rates increased during 2012–2021 in all age groups (by 2.8–6.9% per year). Conclusions: Rates of MBS‐subsidised treatment for keratinocyte cancers increased during 2012–2019, but BCC/SCC treatment rates declined among younger Australians, who have probably been exposed to less sunlight than earlier generations because of public health interventions and population‐wide lifestyle changes related to technology use.