An overview of cancer economics. Based on a presentation by C. Daniel Mullins, PhD

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has estimated that the aggregate outlay for cancer, including research and direct medical costs, was about $104 billion in 1996. Treatment expenditures for the 3 leading types of cancer--breast, lung, and prostate--total $16 billion a year, with breast cancer alone accounting for $6 billion. Early detection is key to reducing the cost of breast cancer because the costs per patient are higher for those who die than for those who survive and the cost effectiveness of detection and treatment are inseparable. Likewise, screening can be cost effective but only if options exist for treatment. Lack of access to care for financial and other reasons continues to be a major impediment to early detection.