National Health Economics on Cancer

Cancer is a global health challenge with far-reaching implications for individuals, families, and healthcare systems. It is the top cause of death in Singapore and one in three Singaporeans will have cancer in their lifetime. Understanding cancer outcomes provide vital information on the burden of cancer within the population, the effectiveness of treatment, and the overall health and well-being of cancer patients. This impacts the healthcare utilisation patterns among cancer patients where we study the efficiency and accessibility of healthcare services. From the patients’ perspective, the economic impact of cancer extends beyond the direct medical costs associated with diagnosis and treatment. It encompasses a broad spectrum of expenses, including hospitalisation, medications, surgeries, and specialized therapies. Our study enables a comprehensive examination of these critical aspects of cancer in Singapore, offering insights into the multifaceted impact of cancer on the nation’s health and healthcare system.