Journal of Cancer Policy最新文献

{"title":"“That’s our culture…”: Understanding cervical cancer stigma through Caribbean voices","authors":"Kamilah Thomas-Purcell , Diadrey-Anne Sealy , Donrie Purcell , Christine Richards , Althea Bailey , Gaole Song , Kimlin Ashing","doi":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100609","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100609","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Cervical cancer remains a major public health concern in the Caribbean, where cultural beliefs, stigma, and healthcare barriers hinder prevention and early detection. While stigma has been recognized as a barrier globally, few studies have qualitatively examined how cervical cancer stigma is constructed and experienced within Caribbean cultural contexts. This study uniquely explores the intersecting social and cultural factors influencing cervical cancer-related stigma, screening behaviors, and HPV vaccination in Grenada, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, filling a critical research gap in understanding stigma beyond patient populations and across national settings.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative study was conducted using nine focus groups with 69 participants (54 women, 15 men) recruited from community organizations, health centers, and cancer support networks. Semi-structured interviews explored perceptions of cervical cancer, its causes, screening, and healthcare experiences. Thematic analysis identified key patterns in stigma and barriers to prevention.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Six major themes emerged: (1) Cancer-related stigma and fear, with fatalistic views of cancer as a death sentence; (2) Cultural beliefs, including associations between cervical cancer, promiscuity, and divine punishment; (3) Knowledge gaps and misinformation, contributing to screening and vaccine hesitancy; (4) Gender and societal expectations, reinforcing stigma and discouraging health-seeking behaviors; (5) Health system challenges, such as healthcare mistrust, confidentiality concerns, and financial constraints; and (6) Family history concerns, where secrecy surrounding cancer within families limited awareness and early detection.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Women in low-income settings faced compounded barriers due to gendered norms, limited education, and economic constraints. Healthcare confidentiality concerns further discouraged prevention. Addressing these challenges requires culturally tailored public health campaigns, stronger confidentiality protections, and expanded access to affordable screening and treatment. A regionally coordinated approach to HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention is needed to reduce stigma and improve equitable access to care across the Caribbean.</div></div><div><h3>Policy summary</h3><div>This study identifies key policy gaps in cervical cancer prevention and HPV vaccination. Findings highlight the need for improved confidentiality protections, enhanced healthcare system trust, and culturally relevant public health interventions to combat stigma and misinformation. Policies should also increase financial access to screening and promote family health communication to improve awareness of hereditary cancer risks. Addressing these gaps can reduce stigma, increase screening and vaccination uptake, and improve cervical cancer outcomes across the region.</di","PeriodicalId":38212,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Policy","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100609"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144498274","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Implementation and evaluation of a Project ECHO for national cancer control plan implementation in low- and middle-income countries","authors":"Linsey Eldridge ,&nbsp;Mishka Kohli Cira ,&nbsp;Kalina Duncan ,&nbsp;Leslie Given ,&nbsp;Lewis Foxhall ,&nbsp;Darya Kizub ,&nbsp;Clayton Richards ,&nbsp;Karin Hohman","doi":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100610","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100610","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The International Cancer Control Partnership (ICCP) ECHO uses a technology-enabled learning model for knowledge exchange on National Cancer Control Plans (NCCP) implementation strategies for low- and middle-income countries. We evaluated the use of this platform to bring together Ministry of Health-led, transdisciplinary teams in monthly, one-hour sessions with experts and peer presentations between 2020 and 2023.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A pre-post mixed-methods design was used. Baseline and endpoint surveys (41/90, 46 %) measured changes in self-reported knowledge and confidence related to 12 strategies for NCCP implementation based on a four-point Likert scale. Comparisons were done using a paired T-test. Seven post-focus group discussions (FGDs) (6/12 countries, 50 %) captured the perceived utility of ECHO for implementing NCCP priorities. FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed, double-coded, and underwent thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Respondents reported high satisfaction with the curriculum, presentations, and format of the program; however, internet connectivity was a challenge, and duration was identified as an area for improvement. Average self-reported knowledge of and confidence using all 12 strategies increased significantly between pre- and post-surveys (p &lt; 0.0001). Along with expert presentation, the peer-to-peer learning through case-based discussion enhanced their learning experience and ensured that the content was relevant. Some participants recommended incorporating additional one-on-one technical assistance during the program.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Study findings suggest this interactive, bidirectional knowledge exchange approach can be effective for improving knowledge and capacity for non-clinical, system-focused areas such as cancer control planning and policy implementation. Further study is warranted to understand how cancer planners utilize their learnings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38212,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Policy","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100610"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144330819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A multidisciplinary approach to strengthening patient navigation among gynaecologic malignancy patients at the Cancer Diseases Hospital in Zambia","authors":"Mupeta Songwe ,&nbsp;Dorothy Lombe ,&nbsp;Susan Msadabwe ,&nbsp;Mukatimui Munalula ,&nbsp;Paul Kamfwa ,&nbsp;Swali Fundafunda ,&nbsp;Emily Walubita ,&nbsp;Samson Chisele ,&nbsp;Victor Mudenda ,&nbsp;Mulindi Mwanahamuntu ,&nbsp;Groesbeck Parham ,&nbsp;Krista S. Pfaendler","doi":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100608","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100608","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Zambia has the third highest incidence of cervical cancer in the world. Patients with gynecological malignancy self-navigate by transmitting referral letters from practitioner to practitioner across different health levels and geographic localities. Specialized oncology services for women with gynecological malignancies are shared between two tertiary hospitals in the capital city: the Cancer Diseases Hospital and the Women and Newborn Hospital.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In 2020, a two-day gynecological malignancies multidisciplinary tumor board workshop targeted clinical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, medical social workers, and nursing and palliative care practitioners. It aimed at harmonizing the functions, goals, and benefits of a multidisciplinary approach to patient navigation and cancer care.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Eleven participants from the six specialties attended the workshop. More than 70 % of the workshop participants have consistently attended the weekly virtual gynecological malignancies multidisciplinary tumor board meetings. Attendance of these meetings has expanded from practitioners within the capital Lusaka to other practitioners from all the nation's ten provinces. A virtual referral platform and patient dashboard were created. These platforms have improved the navigation of patients through the system via enhanced communication among practitioners.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Patient navigation through a multidisciplinary approach in a low-middle-income country is feasible. Further quantitative work is required to establish how this intervention has improved patient care and clinical research efforts for women with gynecological malignancies in Zambia.</div></div><div><h3>Policy summary</h3><div>Health service leaders in low-middle-income countries need to re-examine the workforce and financing to determine how navigation support can be implemented across the cancer care continuum.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38212,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Policy","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100608"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144303064","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Continued tobacco use beyond cancer diagnosis in India – A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Vishnu Rajan ,&nbsp;Sreelakshmi Muralikrishnan ,&nbsp;Bharathnag Nagappa ,&nbsp;Yamini Marimuthu ,&nbsp;Viji Ramachandran ,&nbsp;Aravind Palaniappan","doi":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100605","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100605","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Tobacco use is a leading preventable cause of cancer-related mortality, with significant implications for treatment outcomes and survival. In India, where 28.6 % of adults use tobacco, continued use after cancer diagnosis remains a major public health concern. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of continued tobacco use among cancer patients in India.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies reporting on continued tobacco use post-cancer diagnosis in India. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar yielded 20 observational studies. Eligible studies included adult cancer patients (≥18 years) and reported prevalence of smoking, smokeless tobacco, or both after diagnosis. Data extraction and quality appraisal were performed independently by authors. A random-effects model was used to compute pooled prevalence estimates. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using the I² statistic and Egger’s test, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Twenty studies comprising 75,145 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of continued tobacco use post-diagnosis was 74 % (95 % CI: 59–84 %). Subgroup analysis showed a prevalence of 50 % (95 % CI: 39–62 %) for smoking and 34 % (95 % CI: 26–42 %) for smokeless tobacco. Substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies (I² &gt; 95 %). Evidence of publication bias was present for smoking but not for smokeless tobacco use.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Continued tobacco use among Indian cancer patients is alarmingly high, highlighting the urgent need for tobacco cessation interventions within oncology care.</div></div><div><h3>Policy summary</h3><div>The high prevalence of continued tobacco use among cancer patients in India underscores the need for national health policy to mandate routine tobacco use screening and cessation support. Integrating cessation services into cancer care can improve treatment outcomes, reduce recurrence, and lower overall healthcare costs in oncology settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38212,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Policy","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100605"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144231567","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trends in time to withdrawal and full approval of accelerated approval cancer drug indications (1992–2024)","authors":"Kristina Jenei ,&nbsp;Georg Hahn ,&nbsp;Aaron S. Kesselheim ,&nbsp;Ariadna Tibau","doi":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100597","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100597","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accelerated approval program facilitates earlier access to therapies for serious illnesses based on surrogate endpoints reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit. To minimize risk, sponsors are required to conduct post marketing studies to confirm the benefit. Over the past decade, concerns have emerged about the pace and quality of post marketing evidence generation. We analyzed regulatory outcomes of oncology indications granted accelerated approval between 1992 and 2024, using publicly available FDA data. Median time to conversion to regular approval decreased from 4.3 to 2.3 years and time to withdrawal decreased from 9.5 to 3.2 years between the 1992–2013 and 2014–2024 periods (both p &lt; 0.001). The proportion of indications with confirmatory studies underway at the time of accelerated approval increased from 63 % to 85 % (p = 0.003). Findings remained consistent across sensitivity analyses. Although these trends may reflect stronger oversight, advances in clinical trial design and regulatory coordination may also contribute. Faster regulatory timelines must be accompanied by timely generation of post-approval clinical evidence to maintain the integrity of the accelerated approval pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38212,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Policy","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100597"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144231568","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Challenges and solutions of cancer registries: A scoping review","authors":"Raziehsadat Mousavi ,&nbsp;Naser Derakhshani ,&nbsp;Abbas Sheikhtaheri ,&nbsp;Gholamreza Roshandel ,&nbsp;Asgar Aghaei Hashjin","doi":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100607","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100607","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Globally, cancer will develop in one of every five people during their lifetime, impacting families in multiple ways. Despite the long history of cancer registries, dating back to the early 20th century, they face persistent challenges, such as limited resources, insufficient data, governance failure, and operational inefficiency. These challenges hinder effective cancer control and public health planning. Overcoming them is crucial for improving management, enhancing policymaking, and providing more accurate statistics, thus enabling a clearer assessment of the cancer burden. This study aimed to investigate the challenges faced by cancer registry programs and propose effective solutions to enhance their performance and accuracy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This scoping review was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, Embase, ProQuest, SID, MagIran, and Google Scholar. We searched for articles published between January 2000 and December 2024. The review process was conducted between July 1 and December 25, 2024. EndNote (version 21) was used for reference management and data organization. The methodology involved reference list reviewing, grey literature searching, and hand-searching, complemented by content analysis. Predefined eligibility criteria guided the screening process, where only full-text articles published no later than 2024 and written in English or Persian were included.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Cancer registry programs were found to face multiple challenges in four key areas: resources (human and financial), data (collection, analysis, and reporting), governance (population coverage and infrastructure), and procedures (communication and standardization). The proposed solutions included hiring full-time staff, allocating direct funding, implementing effective data management systems, ensuring comprehensive population coverage, building a robust program infrastructure, raising awareness among policymakers, and standardizing forms and procedures.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study identified key challenges in cancer registry programs, underscoring the need for effective management and improved infrastructure. Addressing issues such as resource shortages and data inefficiencies can significantly enhance program performance. Strengthening communication and standardizing processes will directly contribute to better health policy and cancer control efforts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38212,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Policy","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100607"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrating cancer education into Tunisian school curricula: A public health necessity","authors":"Foued Maaoui ,&nbsp;Imen Moumni,&nbsp;Ines Safra,&nbsp;Samia Menif","doi":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100606","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100606","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":38212,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Policy","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100606"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144221184","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cancer treatment amid armed conflict: Challenges and urgent needs in Sudan","authors":"Moawia Mohammed Ali Elhassan ,&nbsp;Amal Abdulbagi Abdulfatah Mohammed ,&nbsp;Fatima kamaleldeen Osman Muhyeldeen ,&nbsp;Esra Noah Sulieman Algadam ,&nbsp;Alkhansaà Hider Mouhamed Bakheet Mouhamed ,&nbsp;Manal Elzubair Elmahdi Ibrahim ,&nbsp;Sahar Mohammed Idris Sayed","doi":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100604","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100604","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The ongoing armed conflict in Sudan has severely disrupted healthcare, particularly cancer care, where continuous treatment is vital. Cancer patients face significant challenges, including treatment delays, shortages of essential drugs, and limited access to healthcare professionals. Despite growing research on cancer care in conflict settings, data specific to Sudan remains scarce.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This cross-sectional study was conducted between September and November 2024 at Dr. Tiraky Oncology Center in Kassala State, Sudan. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, covering demographic characteristics, treatment disruptions, drug availability, and financial burden. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 100 patients, chemotherapy interruptions affected 89 %, mainly due to displacement (52 %) and transportation barriers (29 %). Essential cancer medicines were frequently unavailable, significantly disrupting treatment continuity. International donations have provided some relief, though no strategy has completely resolved the issue. While the government covers the cost of essential cancer medicines, patients and their families must bear additional expenses, particularly for out-of-stock chemotherapy drugs, transportation and accommodation. Additional challenges included, staff shortages, limited chemotherapy chairs (n = 12) and increased workload. Financial burdens were significant, with the average cost of a single chemotherapy cycle per patient estimated at $900.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The findings highlight the severe impact of ongoing conflict on cancer care in Sudan, emphasizing the need for urgent interventions. Strengthening supply chains, expanding treatment capacity, and providing financial and logistical support are critical to mitigating the conflict’s effects on patients from conflict-affected regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38212,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Policy","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100604"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144221183","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First tobacco-free generation in Europe – A lost cause? Latest Global Youth Tobacco Survey data from Poland and the CEE region","authors":"Irmina Maria Michalek ,&nbsp;Joanna Didkowska ,&nbsp;Paweł Koczkodaj","doi":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100601","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100601","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Tobacco use remains a significant public health issue among adolescents worldwide, now exacerbated by the rise of alternative nicotine products like electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco. Monitoring these trends is essential for effective public health response. This study presents the latest data on tobacco and electronic cigarette use, as well as secondhand smoke exposure, among Polish adolescents aged 13–15.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In 2022 we conducted a cross-sectional study within the framework of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), which uses a standardized two-stage sampling methodology. Data were collected from a nationally representative sample of 3573 students aged 13–15 in Poland. The survey assessed current and ever-use of conventional and alternative tobacco products, secondhand smoke exposure, and attitudes toward tobacco. Weighted estimates were used to ensure national representativeness.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among Polish adolescents, 17.1 % reported current use of any tobacco product, with a similar prevalence among boys (17.3 %) and girls (16.9 %). Current electronic cigarette use was notably high at 22.3 %, with higher usage among girls (23.4 %) than boys (21.2 %). Secondhand smoke exposure at home affected 28.8 % of students. Comparison with previous GYTS data indicates declining traditional tobacco use but a rise in alternative product use.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our findings highlight the need for updated tobacco control policies in Poland that address both traditional and alternative nicotine products. The high prevalence of electronic cigarette use among adolescents is particularly concerning and calls for targeted interventions and public health education aimed at reducing youth access and appeal of these products.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38212,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Policy","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100601"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144196291","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Economic burden of skin cancer in Southern Iran: A cost-of-illness study","authors":"Faride Sadat Jalali ,&nbsp;Khosro Keshavarz ,&nbsp;Mozhgan Seif ,&nbsp;Abdosaleh Jafari ,&nbsp;Ramin Ravangard","doi":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100602","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100602","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers around the world, which imposes a great economic burden on patients and societies. The present study aimed at determining the economic burden of skin cancer in patients referred to diagnostic and treatment centers in southern Iran in 2021.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This was a partial economic evaluation of the cost-of-illness type conducted from the societal perspective with the bottom-up and prevalence-based approaches. A total of 108 patients were included through the simple random sampling method, and a researcher-made data collection form was used to collect the required data. The data on direct medical costs were obtained by using the patient’s medical and financial records, as well as the data on direct medical and indirect costs were collected by asking the patients or their companions on the phone.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results showed that the annual cost of each skin cancer patient in the studied sample was 7699.76 USD in 2021. The indirect costs accounted for the largest share of costs (72.85 %), of which the costs of premature death were the highest. The costs of direct medical and direct non-medical costs were 19.77 % and 7.38 %, respectively, and the economic burden of the disease in the country was estimated at 569,550,508 USD in that year.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The economic burden of skin cancer in Iran is very high. Some suggestions to reduce its costs and economic burden include providing specialized services in high-incidence cities, virtual follow-ups, screening services, and sun safety interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38212,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Policy","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100602"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144170285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}