Economic consequences of premature mortality due to brain cancer in Spain: a human capital approach.

Abstract

Objective: Although primary malignant brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumours are relatively rare, they contribute disproportionately to cancer-related mortality due to their high fatality rates and aggressive progression. This study quantifies the economic impact of brain cancer-related premature deaths in Spain from a societal perspective.

Methods: We employed the human capital approach to estimate productivity losses from brain cancer mortality. Age- and sex-specific mortality, employment rates, and average salaries (2013-2022) were obtained from the Spanish National Statistics Institute. We calculated years of potential labour productive life lost (YPLPLL) and applied a 3% discount rate to estimate the present value of future income losses. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using alternative discount rates (0 and 6%) and varying assumptions about retirement age, wage, and employment rates.

Results: Brain cancer accounted for 2-3% of all cancer-related deaths in Spain, with a higher burden in men. Approximately 44% of deaths occurred in working-age individuals, resulting in an estimated 157,396 YPLPLL and €2.78 billion in productivity losses over the study period. Sensitivity analyses showed a range of €2.08-3.48 billion. On average, this equates to €309 million annually, or around €8 per working-age individual.

Conclusion: Despite its low incidence, brain cancer imposes a substantial economic burden due to premature mortality during peak productive years. These findings underscores the importance of enhancing prevention, early diagnosis, and care delivery, particularly in ageing populations and high-income countries such as Spain.