Research shows breast cancer treatment ‘will cost the UK economy £3.6 billion over the next decade’
- The report shows that Britain could save £111 million a year if we increase screening rates
There is an urgent need to improve breast cancer treatment as research shows the annual cost of the disease to the economy will rise by 40 per cent to £3.6 billion over the next decade.
Growing numbers of cases will have a huge financial impact – on top of the devastating emotional impact on patients and families – unless screening rates improve and cases are intercepted earlier.
If the screening rate could be increased from the current rate of around six in 10 women to eight in 10 women aged 51 to 70, that alone could save up to £111 million a year, the study found.
The report from think tank Demos and Breast Cancer Now lists the costs to the NHS in terms of diagnosis and treatment, the costs to society in terms of lost productivity, and the hidden price tag for individuals, such as loss of income.
If the screening rate could be increased to eight in ten women aged 51 to 70, compared to the current rate of around six in ten women, this alone could save £111 million per year.
By 2024, the total cost of breast cancer to the economy is estimated at £2.6 billion to £2.8 billion
In 2024, the total cost of breast cancer to the economy is estimated at £2.6 billion to £2.8 billion, or around 0.1 percent of gross output. This includes £727 million spent on NHS treatment and screening, plus a £1.8 billion productivity loss for patients.
In 2019, 56,343 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed, the report said, but by 2034 this is expected to increase by 14.8 percent to 64,708 cases.
Researchers also looked at the ‘true human cost of breast cancer’, with the welfare costs associated with it estimated to reach £17.5 billion by 2024. This includes the costs incurred through reduced quality of life and premature death, and the impact on caregivers. , partners and children, for example due to fear.
Baroness Morgan, chief executive of Breast Cancer Now, said: ‘These revealing, unique estimates of the economic and welfare costs of breast cancer in Britain show that breast cancer is still a long way off. deal,’ and the consequences of not taking action now will be dire.”
The report states that increasing screening rates, more cancer nurse specialists and better support for people returning to work would have the biggest impact on cost savings. For example, increasing the screening rate to 80 percent would lead to economic savings of £96 million to £111 million by 2034.
Baroness Morgan, CEO of Breast Cancer Now, said: ‘The consequences of not acting now are dire’
Current figures show that 62.3 percent of women aged 50 to 71 in England take up their breast screening offer.
Breast cancer is also the second most common cause of death from cancer in Britain, but 23 percent of cases are preventable.
The study shows that ‘breast cancer may be related to lifestyle factors, such as obesity, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity’.
Lucy Bush from Demos said: ‘The shift towards a more preventative healthcare model in general is crucial.
‘A preventive approach will reduce pressure on public finances while creating a stronger and more resilient population.’
An NHS England spokesperson said: ‘We are working hard to improve diagnosis and survival rates, with 1,100 more early-stage breast cancer patients diagnosed each year than before the pandemic, not only because this is good for the health of the patients, but because this analysis makes clear that there are also wider benefits to reducing human and financial costs.’