Cancer costs and outcomes for common cancer sites in the Finnish population between 2009–2014

AbstractBackground: The cost of cancer and outcomes of cancer care have been discussed a lot since cancer represents 3–6% of total healthcare costs and cost estimations have indicated growing costs. There are studies considering the cost of all cancers, but studies focusing on the cost of disease and outcomes in most common cancer sites are limited. The objective of this study was to analyze the development of the costs and outcomes in Finland between 2009 and 2014 per cancer site.Methods: The National cost, episode and outcomes data were obtained from the National register databases based on International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 diagnosis codes. Cost data included both the direct and indirect costs. Two hospitals were used to validate the costs of care. The outcome measures included relative survival rate, mortality, sick leave days per patient and number of new disability pensions.Findings: The outcomes of cancer care in most common cancer sites have improved in Finland between 2...