Ann Intern Med
What's the annual cost of cancer screening in the U.S.?
The estimated annual cost of initial cancer screening in the U.S. in 2021 was $43 billion, less than the reported annual cost of cancer treatment in the first 12 months after diagnosis. Unraveling the financial burdens and key factors driving these expenses is vital for shaping effective policies, establishing strategic programs, and broadening availability of cancer screening services.
- This study estimated the annual cost of initial cancer screening among adults eligible for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer screening in the U.S. using 2021 national health care survey and cost resources data. The number of people screened and associated health care system costs by insurance status in 2021 dollars were measured.
- Total health care system costs for initial cancer screenings in 2021 were estimated at $43 billion. Approximately 88.3% of costs were attributable to private insurance; 8.5% to Medicare; and 3.2% to Medicaid, other government programs, and uninsured persons.
- Screening for colorectal cancer represented approximately 64% of the total cost; screening colonoscopy represented about 55% of the total. Facility costs (amounts paid to facilities where testing occurred) were major drivers of the total estimated costs of screening.
Source:
Halpern MT, et al. (2024, August 6). Ann Intern Med. The Annual Cost of Cancer Screening in the United States. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39102723/