Aims: With increasing cancer survival rates due to advances in screening and treatment, the costs associated with cancer diagnoses are gaining attention. Limited studies have explored the healthcare costs related to pancreatic cancer. This study aims to describe the costs to the healthcare systems for hospital admissions and emergency department (ED) presentations due to pancreatic cancer patients within the first three years after diagnosis.
Methods: We utilised a linked administrative dataset, CancerCostMod, which includes all cancer diagnoses in Queensland from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2015 as recorded in the Queensland Cancer Registry. Each record was linked to Queensland Health Admitted Patient Data Collection and Emergency Department Information Systems records from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2018, allowing for at least three years of follow-up. The study cohort comprised patients aged 18+ diagnosed with primary pancreatic cancer (ICD-O-C25) (n = 2,086). Costs were assessed over 36 months post-diagnosis and analysed by sociodemographic characteristics and treatment modalities.
Results: Over three years post-diagnosis, hospital admissions for pancreatic cancer totalled an estimated AUD 99.6 million (26,285 admissions), while ED presentations cost AUD 3.5 million (4228 presentations). Most events occurred within the first 12 months, significantly impacting total and average admissions and costs per patient. People with the shortest survival times (0-6 months) accounted for 49.8% of patients and 38.3% of total hospital admission costs in the first year. Cost variations were observed across demographic categories, with higher costs among younger age groups, First Nations Australians, individuals in regional and socio-economically disadvantaged areas, as well as those underwent surgery and received palliative care.
Conclusion: Our findings underscore the substantial economic burden of pancreatic cancer on healthcare systems, particularly within the first-year post-diagnosis. Targeted strategies are needed to optimise healthcare delivery and resource allocation, ensuring equitable access and improved pancreatic cancer outcomes.