Social Burden and Healthcare Costs of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignant cancer, and according to the predictions, the estimated number of new cases will grow in coming years. Therefore, an increase in the costs of the disease will increase as well. Therefore, there is a need for continuous research on the costs and the economic burden of colorectal cancer and for reviewing the research results systematically. The current paper presents a literature review regarding the state of knowledge about the costs of treatment and the economic burden of colorectal cancer.

A total of 20 papers from MEDLINE database were included in the final analysis. The review is focused on the estimates of direct costs, i.e., treatment of colorectal cancer, screening after treatment, and indirect costs.

the vast majority of studies were focused on direct costs only, which clearly shows the literature gap. Metastatic colorectal cancer was the most frequent category for various treatment cost evaluation. The costs associated with the use of bevacizumab in various combinations were calculated most frequently.

Further summarizing review and developing a methodology for standardized comparisons is necessary, specifically addressing indirect costs.