This study highlights the significant impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns on melanoma diagnosis delays in Europe, quantifying both the premature mortality and economic costs. Utilizing data from over 50,000 patients across two European tertiary centers, the research estimated a staggering 111,464 years of life lost (YLL) and additional costs amounting to $7.65 billion due to delayed melanoma screenings. The bulk of these costs (94.5%) were attributed to indirect treatment costs. The study also provided detailed estimates of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), ranging from 59,682 to 335,711 depending on the upstaging model, with a real-world scenario estimate of 126,824 DALYs for a 17% upstaging rate.

What’s new: This comprehensive economic evaluation provides a clear picture of the broader implications of delayed melanoma care during the pandemic, emphasizing not just the health impact but also the significant economic burden across Europe.

Importance: The findings underscore the critical need for maintaining secondary skin cancer prevention measures even during global health crises, highlighting the importance of including indirect economic costs in health policy decision-making.

Contribution: By quantifying the DALYs and financial losses associated with delayed melanoma diagnoses, this study adds valuable insights to the literature on the cost-effectiveness of melanoma screening, offering a compelling argument for the continuation of preventive healthcare services during pandemics.