Feb 2023: According to data published in JAMA Oncology, the global economic cost of cancer is projected to reach $25,2 trillion in international dollars (INT) between 2020 and 2050.
North America is projected to have the highest cost, and China is projected to have the highest cost per capita. The cancers of the trachea, bronchus, and lung are anticipated to incur the highest costs.
Researchers used a macroeconomic model to make these forecasts. Between 2020 and 2050, they projected the cost of 29 cancers in 204 countries and territories.
The United States ($5,300 billion), China ($6,100 billion), and India ($1,400 billion) will bear the largest economic costs.
Bulgaria (1.42%), Monaco (1.33%), and Montenegro (1.0%) are the countries with the highest projected economic costs as a percentage of gross domestic product. The projected economic cost per capita is greatest in Monaco ($85,230), Ireland ($54,009), and Bermuda ($20,732)
North America is projected to have the highest economic burden from cancer as a proportion of gross domestic product, equivalent to a 0.83 percent annual tax. Europe and Central Asia (0.63%), East Asia and the Pacific (0.59%), and Sub-Saharan Africa (0.24%) follow.
By cancer type, the highest economic cost is projected for:
- Cancers of the trachea, bronchus, and lung (INT $3.9 trillion)
- Colon and rectum cancer (INT $2.8 trillion)
- Breast cancer (INT $2.0 trillion)
- Liver cancer (INT $1.7 trillion)
- Leukemia (INT $1.6 trillion)
The researchers noted that these cancers account for half of the global economic cost of cancer.
The researchers wrote, “The macroeconomic cost of cancer was found to be substantial and heterogeneously distributed across cancer types, countries, and world regions.” The findings indicate that global efforts to reduce the prevalence of cancer are warranted.
A related editorial highlighted the study’s limitations, including the absence of data for 60 countries, or 7.3% of the total population.
Disclosures: The study authors reported having no conflicts of interest. The editorial author declared affiliations with biotech, pharmaceutical, and/or device companies. Please see the original references for a full list of disclosures.
Dr. Nishant Mittal is a highly accomplished researcher with over 13 years of experience in the fields of cardiovascular biology and cancer research. His career is marked by significant contributions to stem cell biology, developmental biology, and innovative research techniques.
Research Highlights
Dr. Mittal's research has focused on several key areas:
1) Cardiovascular Development and Regeneration: He studied coronary vessel development and regeneration using zebrafish models1.
2) Cancer Biology: At Dartmouth College, he developed zebrafish models for studying tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution in pancreatic cancer.
3) Developmental Biology: His doctoral work at Keio University involved identifying and characterizing medaka fish mutants with cardiovascular defects.
4) Stem Cell Research: He investigated the effects of folic acid on mouse embryonic stem cells and worked on cryopreservation techniques for hematopoietic stem cells.
Publications and Presentations
Dr. Mittal has authored several peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals such as Scientific Reports, Cardiovascular Research, and Disease Models & Mechanisms1. He has also presented his research at numerous international conferences, including the Stanford-Weill Cornell Cardiovascular Research Symposium and the Weinstein Cardiovascular Development Conference.
In summary, Dr. Nishant Mittal is a dedicated and accomplished researcher with a strong track record in cardiovascular and cancer biology, demonstrating expertise in various model systems and a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge through innovative research approaches.
