Cost analysis for cancer subgroups in Kerman, Iran

ABSTRACT

The economic costs of cancer care are a burden to people diagnosed with cancer, their families, and society as a whole. Despite several studies about cancer in Iran, there is paucity of cost analysis in this area. The aim of this study was to estimate the cost of cancer subgroups in Kerman, Iran. A retrospective analysis of administrative 223 diagnosed patients with different cancers was undertaken. Monthly average cost of cancer was 3.32 thousand US dollars [average exchange rate in 2010 10308 Iranian rials' 1 US dollar]. Breast cancer, with an average 4.30 thousand US dollars per month was the most expensive and cancer of male reproductive organs with average2.16 thousand US dollars were the cheapest cancer. The hidden monthly cost of all types of cancer was 2 thousand US dollars, breast cancer, lung, blood and female reproductive organs were costly and brain and peripheral nerves cancer, gastrointestinal tract and prostate were medium and male reproductive organs cancer was less costly. Economically impact and burden of cancer should be an important consideration in the health policy making in Iranian health service system