Cost of Operating Population-Based Cancer Registries: Results from 4 Sub-Saharan African Countries.

Large differences exist in the coverage and quality of cancer surveillance systems across the world, with limited data currently available from low-resource settings. Information on the resources required to register cancer cases are needed in order for global, national, regional, and local stakeholders to adequately support cancer registry operations. The objective of this study is to estimate the cost of cancer registration and report the cost per cancer incident case, the cost per inhabitant in the area covered by the registry, and cost allocated to specific registry activities. The International Registry Costing Tool (IntRegCosting Tool) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was used to assess the costs and resources used by 4 registries in sub-Saharan Africa (Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, and Seychelles). The cost of registering a cancer case ranged from $9 to $96, with lower costs in low- and middle-income countries than in the high-income country. The cost of cancer registration at the population level is very low, ranging from 1 to 17 cents per person. The detailed cost information provided in this manuscript can help registries in in sub-Saharan Africa understand the cost of their registry operations and identify approaches to improve efficiency to meet program priorities. Furthermore, it provides additional evidence to inform funding and resource allocation decisions to advance cancer registration in the region.

The socio-economic impact of cervical cancer on patients and their families in Argentina, and its influence on radiotherapy compliance. Results from a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to measure the socio-economic impact of cervical cancer borne by patients and their families in Argentina, and to analyze its influence on radiotherapy compliance. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional survey of 120 new cervical cancer patients. We measured impact of disease in 6 domains of family life: employment, income, household budget, education, access to health-care, and child care. Data on compliance with radiotherapy were also collected. RESULTS: Households of patients reported a reduction in hours worked (45%), work interruption (28%), loss of family income (39%), a reduction in the daily amount of food consumed (37%), delays in paying for essential services such as electricity or telephone (43%), and the sale of property or use of savings (38%). In 28% of households children regularly missed school days. An increased risk of non-compliance with radiotherapy was found in patients from households that lost family income (OR: 3.8, 95% CI 1.5-9.5), or where a member reduced school attendance (OR: 3.6, 95% CI 1.4-9.1). CONCLUSIONS: The socio-economic impact of cervical cancer is considerable and can have negative consequences on treatment compliance. Cervical cancer prevention must be considered a public health priority. Effective social support systems for cancer patients should be implemented.