Economic Burden of Cancer in Bangladesh

Cancer is an overwhelming global public health issue due to its considerable impact on mortality and morbidity. Cancer isa large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body, characterized by the rapid creation of abnormal cells that can invade other parts of the body and spread to other organs. Risk factors for cancer include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and air pollution. Approximately 50% of cancers can be prevented through the avoidance of risk factors and the implementation of evidence-based prevention strategies. The burden of cancer is high in Bangladesh, where 156,775 people were newly diagnosed with cancer in 2020, and 108,990 people died from it. Cancer accounts for 12% of all deaths in Bangladesh and may increase to 13% by 2030. The most common cancers in Bangladesh are esophagus, lip, oral cavity, breast, lung, and cervix uteri. The economic burden of cancer is significant, with rising costs of cancer diagnosis and treatment, imposing significant direct medical and indirect costs on patients, the healthcare system, and the government. Cancer and its treatment also result in the loss of economic resources and opportunities for patients, families, employers, and the society overall.