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. 2021 Jan 8;18(2):474.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph18020474.

The Economic Impact of Rectal Cancer: A Population-Based Study in Italy

Anna Gigli  1 , Silvia Francisci  2 , Giulia Capodaglio  3 , Daniela Pierannunzio  2 , Sandra Mallone  2 , Andrea Tavilla  2 , Tania Lopez  2 , Manuel Zorzi  4 , Fabrizio Stracci  5 , Susanna Busco  6 , Walter Mazzucco  7 , Sara Lonardi  8 , Fortunato Bianconi  5 , Antonio Giampiero Russo  9 , Silvia Iacovacci  10 , Diego Serraino  11 , Gianfranco Manneschi  12 , Mario Fusco  13 , Rosanna Cusimano  14 , Massimo Rugge  15 , Stefano Guzzinati  4
Affiliations

The Economic Impact of Rectal Cancer: A Population-Based Study in Italy

Anna Gigli et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Costs of cancer care are increasing worldwide, and sustainability of cancer burden is critical. In this study, the economic impact of rectal cancer on the Italian healthcare system, measured as public healthcare expenditure related to investigation and treatment of rectal cancer patients is estimated. A cross-sectional cohort of 9358 rectal cancer patients is linked, on an individual basis, to claims associated to rectal cancer diagnosis and treatments. Costs refer mainly to years 2010-2011 and are estimated by phase of care, as healthcare needs vary along the care pathway: diagnostic procedures are mainly provided in the first year, surveillance procedures are addressed to chronically ill patients, and end-of-life procedures are given in the terminal status. Clinical approaches and corresponding costs are specific by cancer type and vary by phase of care, stage at diagnosis, and age. Surgery is undertaken by the great majority of patients. Thus, hospitalization is the main cost driver. The evidence produced can be used to improve planning and allocation of healthcare resources. In particular, early diagnosis of rectal cancer is a gain in healthcare budget. Policies raising spreading of and adherence to screening plans, above all when addressed to people living in Southern Italy, should be strongly encouraged.

Keywords: administrative databases; cancer registry; cost analysis; patterns of care; prevalence; real-world data.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure A1
Figure A1
Phase-of-care study design.
Figure A2
Figure A2
Periods of data availability for cost analysis in each CR.
Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) Cost profile (or patient monthly average costs) due to hospitalization. Pool of CRs. (b) Cost profile (or patient monthly average costs) due to outpatient services. Pool of CRs.
Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) Cost profile (or patient monthly average costs) due to hospitalization. Pool of CRs. (b) Cost profile (or patient monthly average costs) due to outpatient services. Pool of CRs.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Distribution of total annual costs (a) and prevalent cases (b) by type of service and phase of care. Pool of CRs.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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