The Economics of Colon Cancer

Surg Oncol Clin N Am. 2018 Apr;27(2):327-347. doi: 10.1016/j.soc.2017.11.007. Epub 2017 Dec 13.

Abstract

The economic burden of cancer on the national health expenditure is billions of dollars. The economic cost is measured on direct and indirect medical costs, which vary depending on stage at diagnosis, patient age, type of medical services, and site of service. Costs vary by region, physician behavior, and patient preferences. When analyzing the economic burden of survivors of colon cancer, we cannot forget the societal burden. Post-acute care and readmissions are major economic burdens. People with colon cancer have to be followed for their lifetime. Economic models are being studied to give cost-effective solutions to this problem.

Keywords: Average sales price; Cancer drugs; Cancer survivors; Economic cost of colon cancer; Genomic sequencing; Quality; Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs); Value and cost of colon cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Colonic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Colonic Neoplasms / economics*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / therapy
  • Health Expenditures*
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life*
  • Survivors