The cost of diagnosing and treating cancer is
likely to rise by almost two thirds over the next decade, according to Bupa.
Bupa estimates that the cost of cancer diagnosis
and treatment will rise from £9.4billion in 2010 to £15.3billion by 2021 - an
increase of £5.9billion. This will mean that while in 2010, the average cost of
treating someone diagnosed with cancer was approximately £30,000; by 2021 this
will rise to almost £40,000.
The increase in the overall cost of cancer
diagnosis and treatment is partly the result of our ageing population, which is
predicted to lead to a 20% growth in cancer rates by 2021. The cost of cancer
technologies and treatments will continue to rise significantly over the 10-year
period.
Professor Karol Sikora of Cancer Partners UK
says, “The cost of providing optimal care will rise by a staggering 62% over
the next decade. Cancer is predominantly a disease of older people and because
of the advances of modern medicine; many more are living in good health well
beyond retirement. When cancer does strike, we now have powerful new
technologies available to gradually turn cancer into a chronic, controllable
disease like diabetes. However, the rising numbers and the advent of innovation
come with a hefty price tag."
The report identifies three approaches that could
help address the challenge:
Find
new ways to address the cost of tests and treatments for cancer
- Ensure better national planning for
availability of new drugs and technologies
- Integrate companion tests for personalised
medicines into care pathways
- Find new ways to bring cancer drugs to market
Change how and where we treat cancer patients
and survivors
- Make out-of-hospital care a standard choice for
patients
- Enable patients to manage their follow-up
appointments
Make it easier for people to navigate their
cancer treatment options
- Enable patients to transfer between public and
private facilities more easily
Private medical insurance news: 23 December 2011
