RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Lung cancer remains a significant global public health challenge and is still one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in Argentina. This study aims to assess the disease and economic burden of lung cancer in the country. STUDY DESIGN: Burden of disease study. METHODS: A mathematical model was developed to estimate the disease burden and direct medical cost attributable to lung cancer. Epidemiological parameters were obtained from local statistics, the Global Cancer Observatory, the Global Burden of Disease databases, and a literature review. Direct medical costs were estimated through micro-costing. Costs were expressed in US dollars (US$), April 2023 (1 US$ = 216.38 Argentine pesos). A second-order Monte Carlo simulation was performed to estimate the uncertainty. RESULTS: Considering approximately 10,000 deaths, 12,000 incident cases, and 14,000 5-year prevalent cases, the economic burden of lung cancer in Argentina in 2023 was estimated to be US$ 556.20 million (396.96-718.20), approximately 1.4% of the total healthcare expenditure for the country. The cost increased with a higher stage of the disease, and the main driver was drug acquisition (80%). A total of 179,046 disability-adjusted life years could be attributable to lung cancer, representing 10% of the total cancer. CONCLUSION: The disease and economic burden of lung cancer in Argentina implies a high cost for the health system and would represent 19% of the previously estimated economic burden for 29 cancers in Argentina.