[Prostatic cancer: an expensive dilemma]

The aim of this retrospective study is to describe the increasing human suffering as well as the Health-Service costs in Denmark due to palliative treatment of prostate cancer, at a time characterized by a still more aggressive therapeutic approach to prostate cancer but without effective prognostic factors. All 719 prostate cancer patients with residence in Aarhus County diagnosed over a five year period (01.01.79-31.12.83) identified by the Danish Cancer Registry were registered. The data originates from hospital case records and Death Certificates. The national incidence of prostate cancer has increased dramatically even without screening programs. These patients have a considerable need for hospital care and palliative treatment of their cancer disease from the time of diagnosis until death. Based on these data the Danish hospital expenses in 1995 due to palliative treatment of prostate cancer were calculated to amount 0.72% of the total National Health Budget.