Economic Impact of Cancer Related to Human Papilloma Virus in Ecuador

OBJECTIVES: The main objective of the present study was to assess the economic impact of cancer related to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) diagnosis and treatment in Ecuador and the cost of 70% cervical cancer (35-45 years old) screening coverage (WHO goal).

METHODS: The present study included the costs of cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, annal, and head-neck cancer related to HPV in Ecuador according to GLOBOCAN prevalences in 2020. Cost per episode of care was implemented calculating the costs of diagnosis and treatment until the resolution of case. Economic data was extracted from economic evaluations and adapted to the Ecuadorian context. Screening costs were obtained from the National Fare System in Ecuador.

RESULTS: In 2020, 1,515 cases of cancer related to HPV were reported by GLOBOCAN in Ecuador. The estimated cost per episode of care was 3,841,891.30 USD for cervical cancer (n=1,110), 1,013,104.00 USD for vulvar cancer (n=48), and 476,033.33 USD for vaginal cancer (n=25). By the other hand, penile cancer had a total cost of 1,848,268.33 USD (n=85). In Addition, annal cancer costs were 9,442,844.67 USD for females (n=58) and 4,097,441.67 USD for males (n=25). Head and neck cancer represented 4,902,823.33 USD for females (n=95) and 3,715,824.00 USD for males (n=72). A total cost of 29,338,230.63 USD was estimated for the diagnosis and treatment of cancers related to HPV for both genders. Consequently, females had a higher economic burden than males in 10,015,162.63 USD in cancers related to HPV. Finally, the screening by pap smear test for the 70% of Ecuadorian women (35 -45 years old) have a total cost of 856,012.46 USD.

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the cost of cancers related to HPV has an important economic impact in the Ecuadorian population compare to the low cost of screening. We strongly recommend investing in more prevention programs, specially targeted in female populations.