WCLC 2025 - Posters & ePosters-P3.01.24 Economic Burden of Radon Attributable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Cost Analysis

Pdf Summary

This study assesses the economic burden of radon-induced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Canada, projecting costs up to 2025. Using a decision tree model, researchers from the University of Calgary estimate the total healthcare costs associated with NSCLC care attributable to radon exposure, incorporating data from Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), literature, and medical benefit records.<br /><br />The cost analysis breaks down expenses by the stage of NSCLC diagnosis, showing how treatment costs vary depending on cancer progression. Figure 1 illustrates the decision tree model framework used to evaluate the multiple cost pathways involved in NSCLC care. Figure 2 details the distribution of costs per case according to diagnosis stage and specific cost categories, highlighting that more advanced stages generally incur higher treatment expenses.<br /><br />Figure 3 presents historical and projected trends in lung cancer treatment costs in Canada, adjusted to 2025 Canadian dollars, demonstrating rising financial demands over time. Figure 5 summarizes the total and per-case costs of radon-attributable NSCLC by stage, providing a comprehensive estimate of the economic impact radon exposure has on lung cancer care.<br /><br />Overall, this cost analysis emphasizes the significant financial burden radon-induced NSCLC imposes on the Canadian healthcare system. These findings support the importance of radon mitigation and lung cancer prevention strategies to reduce future healthcare expenditures related to lung cancer management.

Asset Subtitle

David Griffin

Meta Tag

Speaker David Griffin

Topic Risk Factors, Risk Reduction & Tobacco Control

Keywords

radon-induced lung cancer

non-small cell lung cancer

NSCLC economic burden

Canada healthcare costs

lung cancer treatment costs

radon exposure

decision tree model

cancer diagnosis stages

healthcare cost projection 2025

lung cancer prevention