Summary

METHODS
In this cost-of-illness study, per-patient annual direct and indirect medical costs for the management of breast cancer (in newly diagnosed and former patients and in metastatic and non-metastatic disease) were determined based on epidemiological, clinical, and lost productivity inputs provided by a Delphi panel consisting of oncology, general surgery, and pathology experts.

RESULTS
The mean annual cost per patient for newly diagnosed breast cancer was $21,595.62 for metastatic patients and $4,490.76 for non-metastatic patients. The total annual direct cost of new and former patients was $222,514,612.10. Non-medical costs included transportation, caregiving, and the need for palliative care. The non-medical direct cost for new patients and follow-up patients was $18,917,841.62 and $2,195,169.61, respectively. The total non-medical direct cost of newly and previously diagnosed patients with breast cancer was $21,113,011.23. While the indirect costs for the newly diagnosed patients amounted to $815,199,359.02, the indirect cost for the previously diagnosed breast cancer patients was $169,767,030.43. The total indirect cost was $982,867,753.58. The economic burden of breast cancer was $1,230,416,060.71 in Türkiye.

CONCLUSION
This cost-of-illness study indicates that breast cancer poses a significant economic burden for Türkiye. A large share of indirect costs in total costs can provide important guidance to decision-makers in the healthcare system to better allocate limited resources to breast cancer prevention and early detection strategies.