Abstract
Background and objectives : Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women. The cost of care for patients with cancer is an important component of the formulation of national policies and programs for cancer. The present study aimed to analyze and estimate the cost of breast cancer in women attending Shahid Ghazi cancer clinic in Tabriz in 2013.
Material and Methods : This is a cross sectional retrospective Cost of Illness (COI) Study which investigated the data in a 6 month period using researcher-made questionnaire. Using bottom up approach costing method, direct and indirect costs of 34 patients suffering from breast cancer who were attending Shahid Ghazi cancer clinic of Tabriz were gathered from patients’ perspectives. Data were analyzed using Excel 2007 software.
Results : Average direct medical costs of patients were estimated 116327582.35 Rials and average nonmedical costs were estimated 2580294.12 Rials. Total costs were estimated 54338083000 Rials.
Conclusion : Due to the high costs and the incidence of breast cancer, the increase of supplementary insurance coverage seems necessary to reduce the crippling costs. The early detection and screening for patients to reduce the cost burden can be useful.