Cost of illness of head and neck cancer in Sweden

Objectives Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the 6th most common cancer worldwide. The condition and its treatment often lead to marked morbidities and, for some patients, premature death. Inferentially, HNC imposes a significant economic burden on society. This study aims to provide a comprehensive and detailed estimation of the cost of illness (COI) of HNC for Sweden in 2019. Methods This is a prevalence-based COI study. Resource utilisation and related costs are quantified using national registry data. A societal perspective is applied, including (a) direct costs for healthcare utilisation, (b) costs for informal care from family and friends, and (c) costs for productivity loss due to morbidity and premature death. The human capital approach is used when estimating productivity losses. Results The societal cost of HNC for Sweden in 2019 was estimated at €92 million, of which the direct costs, costs for informal care, and costs for productivity loss represented 34%, 2%, and 64%, respectively. Oral cavity cancer (OCC) was the costliest HNC, followed by OPC, while nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) was the costliest per person. The cost of premature mortality comprised 60% of the total cost of productivity loss. Males accounted for 65% of direct costs and 67% of costs for productivity loss. Conclusions The societal cost of HNC is substantial and constitutes a considerable burden to Swedish society. The results of the present study may be used by policymakers for planning and allocation of resources. Furthermore, the information may be used for future cost-effectiveness analyses.