The Lost Productivity Cost of Premature Mortality Owing to Cancers in Iran: Evidence From the GLOBOCAN 2012 to 2018 Estimates

Objectives: Estimation of the lost productivity cost of premature deaths because of cancers can provide invaluable information
for identifying the priorities and resource needs in the design of cancer control strategies. This study aimed to estimate the
premature mortality costs because of cancers using GLOBOCAN estimates in Iran.
Methods: In this study, we estimated the lost productivity cost of premature deaths because of cancers in Iran from 2012 and
2018, using the human capital approach with respect to the cancer site, sex, and age. Data on cancer mortality were extracted
from the GLOBOCAN reports. In addition, economic information, such as annual income, employment rate, housekeeping
rate, and gross domestic product, was extracted from the World Bank Data and the Statistical Center of Iran. A discount rate of
3% was applied and costs were reported in constant 2017 international dollars.
Results: From 2012 and 2018, the lost productivity cost of premature deaths because of cancers increased by 18% in Iran
($2453 million in 2012 and $2887 million in 2018). In contrast, the number of deaths and the years of life lost because of
cancers increased by approximately 8%. The mortality cost was approximately 35% and 56% higher in men than in women in
2012 and 2018, respectively. Stomach, colorectal, esophageal, and breast cancers accounted for . 40% of total cancer mortality
costs in 2012. Stomach cancer, brain cancer, nervous system cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia were responsible for 57% of
cancer mortality costs in 2018.
Conclusions: Based on the findings, the lost productivity costs of premature mortality because of cancers have increased
significantly in Iran. Overall, evidence-based policy making for managing the costs of cancers and resource allocation depends
on analyzing epidemiological and economic data in the health sector. This study presented helpful findings on cancer
mortality costs to support evidence for decision making in healthcare systems