The direct medical cost of breast cancer management in a provincial hospital of Papua New Guinea: A cost of illness study of consecutive patients from 2017 to 2022

Background

Breast cancer is a major global health, gender and socioeconomic challenge. In PNG it is the leading cause of female mortality. Understanding direct medical costs related to breast cancer management can direct resource allocation and investment in breast cancer screening, treatment, infastructure and training.

Methods

A cost of illness study was conducted amongst patients with breast cancer at Alotau Provincial Hospital from the 12th of January 2017–9 th of August 2022. A bottom up approach of micro costing was applied to estimate the patient and hospital perspectives of direct medical costs.

Results

The total cost of breast cancer management was K1,624,656.14 (US$471,150.28). 58.5 % (n = 38) of patients with breast cancer did not undergo any form of surgery. Hospital costs accounted for 99.7 % (K1,620,156.14, US$469,845.28) of the total direct medical costs. The average cost per patient was K24,994.71 (US$ 7248.47). The dollar conversion was 1 KINA = 0.29 USD.

Conclusion

Investment in screening, diagnosis and treatment is crucial in addressing the burden of breast cancer in PNG.

Policy Summary

Provincial hospitals (in PNG) must invest in and implement the 2015 National Cancer Control Policy strategies that aim to develop hospital based cancer registries, human resources, equip health systems, improve cancer screening, improve diagnostics, research, funding and treatment for breast cancer control.