OBJECTIVES: Cancer is a leading cause of death in Latin America (LATAM). Human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B (HBV) are among the most important infections associated with liver cancer and head and neck/ cervical cancers, respectively. This study aimed to estimate the potential impact on mortality and indirect costs of these cancers that can be prevented through vaccination in LATAM.

METHODS: Data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation were used to source the number of deaths and years of life lost (YLL) in 2019 for liver cancer, head and neck cancers, and cervical cancer. The analysis included 19 countries in LATAM, categorized into three sub-categories Mexico, South America, Central America (excluding Mexico). Attributable fractions of HPV and HBV were applied to mortality inputs, based on published data. The indirect cost was estimated by multiplying GDP per capita from 2019 (World Bank; USD) and YLL to obtain the value of YLL (VYLL).

RESULTS: In 2019, the modeled vaccine-preventable cancers in LATAM caused 38,786 deaths (Male: 13.7%; Female: 86.3%), and 1,145,959 YLL (Male: 12.5%; Female: 87.5%), with an indirect cost due to premature mortality of $5.9 billion (Male: 13.0%; Female: 87.0%). VYLL was $4.2B in South America, followed by Mexico $1.3B, and Central America (excluding Mexico) $364M. VYLL/death ranged from $38,950 (Nicaragua) to $296,759 (Uruguay). Across LATAM, an average of 30 YLL occurred per death (AYLL). Central America had an AYLL of 31 years, followed by Mexico (30) and South America (29).

CONCLUSIONS: The burden of premature mortality of potentially vaccine-preventable cancers in LATAM is high. To address this issue, it is crucial to continue prioritizing public health measures such as increased awareness, vaccination, and screening efforts.