OBJECTIVES:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a pre-requisite for vaginal and vulval cancers. The incidence of vaginal cancer in the UK has remained relatively stable over the past 25 years; however the age-standardised incidence of vulval cancer has been increasing. Whilst a body of literature exists for the epidemiology and aetiology of vaginal and vulval cancer, a dearth of evidence exists regarding the economic burden. The objective of the present study was to quantify the economic burden these cancers place on the NHS in England.

METHODS:

Data on inpatient and outpatient activity associated with vaginal and vulval cancer from 2009/10 to 2014/15 was extracted from the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database. After grouping inpatient episodes into spells, a single Healthcare Resource Group (HRG) was derived for each and then cross-referenced with the National Tariff and National Reference Costs to estimate the associated cost of treating pre-cancerous and invasive vaginal and vulval cancer lesions

RESULTS:

On average each year in England 4,316 patients (7,077 spells of care) were admitted to hospital and 912 patients (3,834 attendances) attended outpatient settings for pre-cancerous and invasive vaginal and vulval cancer lesions. On average, vaginal cancer patients experienced 3 hospital spells and 9 outpatient attendances and vulval cancer patients had 2 hospital spells and 7 outpatient attendances. The total cost associated with pre-cancerous and invasive vaginal and vulval cancers lesions amounted to over £14 million per year. Inpatient care accounted for 95% of this cost. Vulval cancer accounted for the largest proportion of total costs; an estimated 60% (£8.82 million).

CONCLUSIONS:

The results indicate both vaginal and vulval cancer place a significant burden on the health care system. Prevention programmes and education could help to reduce this burden in years to come.