A population-level comparison of cancer-related and non-cancer-related health care costs using publicly available provincial administrative data
- PMID: 31043809
- PMCID: PMC6476450
- DOI: 10.3747/co.26.4399
A population-level comparison of cancer-related and non-cancer-related health care costs using publicly available provincial administrative data
Abstract
Introduction: Costs associated with cancer care are increasing. Cancer costs in the context of other common non-cancer diagnoses have not been extensively studied at the population level. Knowledge from such analyses can inform health care resource allocation and highlight strategies to reduce overall costs.
Methods: Using cross-sectional data from publicly available population-level administrative data sources (health insurance claims, physician billing, and hospital discharge abstracts), we calculated incidence-adjusted health care costs (in 2014 Canadian dollars) for cancers and common non-cancer diagnoses in the adult population in a large Canadian province. Subgroup analyses were also performed for various provincial health administrative regions.
Results: Total costs related to cancer care amounted to $495 million for the province, of which at least $67 million (14%) was attributable to radiation and chemotherapy. Of the various cancer subtypes, hematologic malignancies were most costly at $70 million, accounting for 14% of the total cancer budget. Colon cancer followed at $51 million (10%), and lung cancer, at $44 million (9%). Cancer costs (with and without costs for radiation and chemotherapy) exceeded those for cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, mental health, and trauma (p < 0.001). In addition, the costs of specific cancer subtypes varied by region, but hematologic and lung cancers were typically the most costly no matter the health region.
Conclusions: Using provincial administrative data to establish cost trends can help to inform health care allocation and budget decisions, and can facilitate comparisons between provinces.
Keywords: Cancer costs; administrative databases; health care costs; health economics.
Conflict of interest statement
CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURES We have read and understood Current Oncology’s policy on disclosing conflicts of interest, and we declare that we have none.
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References
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- Public Health Agency of Canada. Economic Burden of Illness in Canada, 2005–2008. Ottawa, ON: Health Canada; 2014. [Available online at: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ebic-femc/2005-2008/assets/pdf/ebic-...; cited 15 August 2018]
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- Alberta Health Services (ahs) Data Snapshot of Health and Healthcare Utilization in Alberta [Web page] Edmonton, AB: ahs; n.d.. [Available at: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/about/Page13342.aspx; cited 15 August 2018]
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