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Advanced prostate cancer: course, care, and cost implications
P M Beemsterboer1, H J de Koning, E Birnie
1Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
The Prostate
|July 1, 1999
Summary
Advanced prostate cancer care is costly, with most expenses from treatment and hospitalization. Understanding these costs is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of prostate cancer screening programs.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Health Economics
- Public Health
Background:
- Prostate cancer screening aims to prevent advanced disease.
- Evaluating screening effectiveness requires understanding advanced disease course, care, and costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the course, care, and costs associated with advanced prostate cancer.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 70 patient files with distant prostate cancer metastases (1994-1998).
- Recorded total healthcare received, including symptoms and complaints.
Main Results:
- Most frequent symptoms: pain (42%), urogenital (25%), malaise (20%).
- 89% received hormonal therapy, 47% radiation therapy, 69% pain medication.
- Average duration of advanced disease: 24 months. Average cost: $11,182 (86% for treatment/hospital stay).
Conclusions:
- Provides insights into advanced prostate cancer management and associated financial burden.
- Data will inform prostate cancer screening program evaluations, considering quality of life impacts.