Aims
This study investigates the influence of clinical and socioeconomic factors on treatment costs for colorectal cancer (CRC), lung and melanoma cancers in Victoria, Australia, through a detailed analysis of patient-level medical and pharmaceutical data. We illustrate our findings with CRC.
Methods
We used data from Victorian patients diagnosed with CRC from 2010-2019, linking the Victorian Cancer Registry to administrative hospital data, Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefit Schedule (PBS) records. We evaluated factors such as disease stage, CRC type, multiple diagnoses, molecular profile, progression status, patient age, birth country, socioeconomic status (SEIFA index), and first language. We performed descriptive and log-linear regression analyses to study total cost, claimed benefits, and out-of-pocket expenses.
Results
The results from our analysis for CRC indicate that costs varied with disease stage, years since diagnosis, and whether the patient had a gene mutation. Higher SEIFA quintiles corresponded with higher costs. Rectal cancer patients and those born in Australia generally had higher costs. Regression analysis showed a decrease in costs, expenses, and benefits over the years post-diagnosis, with older patients having lower costs. Disease progression also influenced costs, but this was not statistically significant.
Conclusion
Our findings from analysis for CRC support early detection and treatment, targeted care strategies to reduce CRC costs, and the need to address socioeconomic disparities and support late-stage patients. The results also suggest a focus on gender-sensitive healthcare and cultural inclusivity.