Economic burden of breast cancer in Cyprus from a societal perspective

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women globally, creating a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems, patients, and society. This study aimed to estimate the annual cost of managing early-stage (eBC) and metastatic breast cancer (mBC) in Cyprus.

A mixed-methods approach was used: (a) a prevalence-based cost-of-illness model estimated BC costs; (b) semi-structured interviews with physicians and patients validated epidemiological data, captured clinical practice, and assessed indirect costs such as productivity loss. Data sources included national statistics, clinical guidelines, published literature, and patient surveys.

The societal economic burden of BC in Cyprus was €180.9 million in 2024. Disease management accounted for 68.8% of costs, including genetic testing, hospitalization, surgery, radiation, and symptom management. Drug costs represented 11.3%, productivity loss 10.6%, and healthcare resource use (follow-up tests and imaging) 9.3%. Per-patient costs for mBC were nearly double those for eBC.

BC imposes a significant economic burden on Cyprus, with mBC substantially increasing resource use and costs. These findings support early detection initiatives, value-driven mBC treatments, and provide a baseline for evaluating prevention and treatment strategies.