ECONOMIC BURDEN OF PSYCHOLOGICAL COMORBIDITY AMONG BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS IN PAKISTAN (original) (raw)

2023, 22ND SHAUKAT KHANUM CANCER SYMPOSIUM

Objective: Among all cancer related diseases, breast cancer is most frequently diagnosed among female in the world. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Pakistani women (45.4%). Despite high prevalence of breast cancer related psychological distress, the impact of this comorbidity on lifetime costs and burden remains under explored. Aim of this study is to assess the economic burden and lifetime costs among breast cancer survivors and to assess the variation in burden along with presence of mental health difficulties. Methods: A desk-based modelling study conducted with the help of using existing literature regarding treatment cost, productivity loss, Years Lived with Disability (YLD), Years of Life Lost (YLL) and probability of incremental cost due to psychological comorbidity. We used disability adjusted life years (DALYs) as an indicator of burden. Results: Significant costs were associated with breast cancer. The mean age of breast cancer morbidity starting point is 50 years. Breast cancer survivors are estimated to live on average 5 years with disability (YLD). It resulted in 11 years of YLL as the life expectancy of women is Pakistan is 66 years. The lifetime cost of breast cancer based on 5 years is (1,728,815 PKR) comprised of treatment cost (189,763 PKR) and productivity loss (13000 PKR/month) while total YLL burden accounts for 1,716,000 PKR, based on estimation of 11 years of productivity loss. The total cost of DALYs is 3,444,815 PKR by summing up costs of YLD and YLL. With estimated 83,000 new cases reported in Pakistan, a revised health budget of 420 billion PKR may be required to cover economic burden in Pakistan. Conclusion: The financial impact of breast cancer and mental health comorbidity in Pakistan is substantial and is projected to rise due to the increasing incidence rate. It is imperative to prioritize measures aimed at preventing and promptly identifying breast cancer within the framework of the national cancer control program.