New Data Resources, Linkages, and Infrastructure for Cancer Health Economics Research: Main Topics From a Panel Discussion

Abstract

Although a broad range of data resources have played a key role in the substantial achievements of cancer health economics research, there are now needs for more comprehensive data that represent a fuller picture of the cancer care experience. In particular, researchers need information that represents more diverse populations; includes more clinical details; and provides greater context on individual- and neighborhood-level factors that can affect cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and survivorship, including measures of financial health or toxicity, health-related social needs, and social determinants of health. This article highlights 3 critical topics for cancer health economics research: the future of the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services-linked data resources; use of social media data for cancer outcomes research; and multi-site-linked electronic health record data networks. These 3 topics represent different approaches to enhance data resources, linkages, and infrastructures and are complementary strategies to provide more complete information on activities involved in and factors affecting the cancer control continuum. These and other data resources will assist researchers in examining the complex and nuanced questions now at the forefront of cancer health economics research.