Study Shows: Cancer Costs Us Millions Annually
Cancer not only burdens the healthcare system but also significantly impacts the domestic economy. According to a recent study by the Economic Research Institute Economica and the Social Insurance for the Self-Employed (SVS), four common types of cancer – colon, breast, prostate, and cervical cancer – incur costs of 724 million euros annually. The study authors particularly highlight the high savings potential through early prevention.
Over 500 million euros in costs due to hospital stays
According to the study, around 512 million euros are attributed to hospital stays alone. The four mentioned types of cancer together account for 42 percent of all new cancer cases in Austria. Approximately 65,000 hospitalizations are necessary each year, with an average stay of almost six days.
Christian Helmenstein, head of Economica, emphasized the economic potential of early detection: "For breast cancer alone, 158 million euros in gross value added could be secured annually."
Need for improvement in cancer prevention in Austria
Austria ranks below average in the EU comparison for the use of preventive examinations. The participation rate for breast cancer screening is only 41 percent – in Denmark, it is about twice as high. There is also room for improvement in colon cancer prevention, with a participation rate of 65 percent. According to SVS, there are no reliable data for prostate cancer. "Perhaps it is precisely because men are quite reluctant in this area," said SVS chairman Peter Lehner.
30 percent more preventive examinations as a goal
The SVS aims to increase preventive examinations for the four types of cancer by 30 percent this year. Currently, the increase in the first quarter compared to the previous year is around 8.6 percent. Incentives are intended to help: SVS-insured individuals who undergo a preventive examination receive a bonus of 100 euros.
"There needs to be a shift from repair medicine to preventive medicine," demanded Lehner. The SVS justifies the selection of the four types of cancer with their high relevance and the proven benefits of targeted prevention.
(APA/Red)
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