The purpose of this study was to understand the extent, nature and variability of the current economic burden of prostate cancer among Australian men. An online cross-sectional survey was developed that combined pre-existing economic measures and new questions.
With few exceptions, the online survey was viable and acceptable to participants. The main outcomes were self-reported out-of-pocket costs of prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, changes in employment status and household finances. Men were recruited from prostate cancer support groups throughout Australia. Descriptive statistical analyses were undertaken. A total of 289 men responded to the survey during April and June 2013. Our study found that men recently diagnosed (within 16 months of the survey) (n = 65) reported spending a median AU$8000 (interquartile range AU$14 000) for their cancer treatment while 75% of men spent up to AU$17 000 (2012). Twenty per cent of all men found the cost of treating their prostate cancer caused them 'a great deal' of distress. The findings suggest a large variability in medical costs for prostate cancer treatment with 5% of men spending $250 or less in out-of-pocket expenses and some men facing very high costs. On average, respondents in paid employment at diagnosis stated that they had retired 4-5 years earlier than planned.
European journal of cancer care. 2015 Oct 01 [Epub ahead of print]
L G Gordon, S M Walker, M C Mervin, A Lowe, D P Smith, R A Gardiner, S K Chambers
Centre for Applied Health Economics, Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Griffith University, Logan City, Qld, Australia. , Centre for Applied Health Economics, Griffith University, Logan City, Qld, Australia. , Centre for Applied Health Economics, Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Griffith University, Logan City, Qld, Australia. , Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia. , Cancer Council New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia. , School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia. , Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.