Estimating the Cancer Treatment Cost for 5 Common Types of Cancer with Separating Out-of-Pocket and Governmental Costs in Afghanistan, 2020

Abstract

The objective this study was to estimate the cost of cancer treatment services for 5 common types of cancer (Breast, Esophageal, Colorectal, Stomach and lung) by the public sector and patients. This study was a cross-sectional study that conducted using the medical records of patients who were registered in the Jamhuriyat Hospital from 1, 2020 to 12, 2020. The prevalence-based approach was used to estimate the costs of five major cancer types. The data of 769 patients were eligible to include for the analysis. The considered cost of services was obtained from the average cost in 3 private hospitals in Kabul. Also all costs converted in to US dollar using the exchange rate of each USD equaling to AFN 77 in 2020. The data was analyzed using Ms. Excel Program. The total number of patients with 5 types of cancer were 769. Of these, female, in the age group of 40-60 years and were illiterate. The most common cancers based on the cancer treatment services’ costs of health services was breast cancer, followed by esophagus, colorectal, stomach and lung. Moreover, the most common cancers based on the cancer treatment services’ costs of health services which cancer patients needed was breast cancer, followed by esophagus, colorectal, stomach and lung. Moreover, total cost of cancer treatment is US$590,662.98, in which Patients paid USD 82,537 of it out-of-pocket. The costs of cancer treatment services for 5 common types of cancer are high which a considerable portion are paid by patients. There is a need for the government to pay more attention to the provision of these services and to increase the centers providing these services and the existing facilities. Also, support of the international community in this process can enable more people to access these services and reduce the economic burden on patients.

Cancer prevalence, incidence, and mortality rates in Afghanistan in 2020: A review study

“…18 As a result, screening, prevention, and public education about cancer are critical in Afghanistan where patients must pay for the average cost of cancer treatment (nearly $600000) out of pocket, as there is no proper insurance coverage. 20 Afghanistan's healthcare system is struggling to provide accessible cancer treatment to its population, with only one hospital in Kabul providing free mammography services to the country's 38.9 million residents. 21 Poverty-stricken areas lack medical facilities, making cancer a death sentence for many.…”

“…Community awareness of cancer care is minimal, and few organizations have developed strategies to improve it 18 . As a result, screening, prevention, and public education about cancer are critical in Afghanistan where patients must pay for the average cost of cancer treatment (nearly $600000) out of pocket, as there is no proper insurance coverage 20 …”