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The economics of cancer care
Author(s) -
Bailes Joseph S.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(19951115)76:10+<1886::aid-cncr2820761304>3.0.co;2-q
Subject(s) - medicine , rationing , psychological intervention , health care , cancer , intensive care medicine , nursing , economic growth , economics
Considerable attention has been paid to the high cost of cancer care. These medical services are expensive, accounting for 10% of total health care expenditures. Factors contributing to high costs include (1) the likelihood that anticancer treatments will lead to costly medical complications; (2) intensive research and development necessary to ensure rapid introduction of a broad array of treatment options; and (3) specialized facilities required for delivery of care. Such efforts as rationing of care and utilizing practice guidelines have been ineffective in controlling costs. To realize savings, we must develop new therapies with sufficient specificity so that anticancer interventions do not impair the patient's general health. Cancer 1995;76:1886‐7.