Indirect Costs in 5 Types of Cancer in Adults in Mexico From 2024 to 2030

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the indirect cost in 5 types of cancer in adults including breast, cervix, lung, colorectal cancers and acute leukemias (lymphocytic and myeloid) in Mexico from 2024 to 2030.

METHODS: We estimated the indirect costs for yearly cohorts from 2024 to 2030 for three different populations, based on the Mexican labor market structure: formal (affiliated to a social security institution), informal (not affiliated to a social security institution) and unemployment. Epidemiologic data was obtained from different sources including GLOBOCAN, the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, and the US National Cancer Institute; disability information was taken from the Federal Labor Law. Salaries were extracted from the 2023 National Occupation and Employment Survey. The analysis included disability pensions, lost income due to productivity loss, lost income due to premature death and costs incurred by caregivers.

RESULTS: Cumulative indirect costs for the 2024-2030 cohorts were estimated at USD$494 million for breast cancer, USD$233 million for cervical cancer, USD$214 million for lung cancer, USD$366 million for colorectal cancer and USD$68 million for acute leukemia (both lymphocytic and myeloid). The indirect costs components were distributed as follows: 30.4% due to productivity loss, 54.7% costs incurred by caregivers and 14.9% corresponds to other costs including income lost due to death. These proportions varied across the different types of cancer. Furthermore, the social security system could lose USD$411 million in contributions.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the relevance to enhance public policies to support caregivers in order to mitigate financial distress in households affected by cancer. Additionally, improving early detection programs and accelerating access to treatment are crucial strategies for reducing productivity losses and mortality-related income loss.