Cost of Illness of Head and Neck Cancer in Sweden

Apr 1, 2024, 00:00
10.1016/j.jval.2024.01.007
https://www.valueinhealthjournal.com/article/S1098-3015(24)00036-6/fulltext
Title : Cost of Illness of Head and Neck Cancer in Sweden
Citation : https://www.valueinhealthjournal.com/action/showCitFormats?pii=S1098-3015(24)00036-6&doi=10.1016/j.jval.2024.01.007
First page : 425
Section Title : ECONOMIC EVALUATION
Open access? : Yes
Section Order : 425

Objectives

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. The condition and its treatment often lead to marked morbidities and, for some patients, premature death. Inferentially, HNC imposes a significant economic burden on society. This study aims to provide a comprehensive and detailed estimation of the cost of illness of HNC for Sweden in 2019.

Methods

This is a prevalence-based cost of illness study. Resource utilization and related costs are quantified using national registry data. A societal perspective is applied, including (1) direct costs for healthcare utilization, (2) costs for informal care from family and friends, and (3) costs for productivity loss due to morbidity and premature death. The human capital approach is used when estimating productivity losses.

Results

The societal cost of HNC for Sweden in 2019 was estimated at €92 million, of which the direct costs, costs for informal care, and costs for productivity loss represented 34%, 2%, and 64%, respectively. Oral cavity cancer was the costliest HNC, followed by oropharyngeal cancer, whereas nasopharyngeal cancer was the costliest per person. The cost of premature mortality comprised 60% of the total cost of productivity loss. Males accounted for 65% of direct costs and 67% of costs for productivity loss.

Conclusions

The societal cost of HNC is substantial and constitutes a considerable burden to Swedish society. The results of the present study may be used by policymakers for planning and allocation of resources. Furthermore, the information may be used for future cost-effectiveness analyses.

Categories :
  • Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies
  • Economic Evaluation
  • Epidemiology & Public Health
  • Oncology
  • Prevalence, Incidence & Disease Risk Factors
  • Registries
  • Specific Diseases & Conditions
  • Study Approaches
Tags :
  • cost of illness
  • economic burden
  • head and neck cancer
  • societal costs
Regions :
  • Western Europe
ViH Article Tags :