Cost evaluation of cancer care and treatment outside Lesotho: Provider perspective

Abstract

Background: Cancer is a global health burden with an increasing incidence, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Cancer treatment is associated with a financial burden worsened by insurance status, treatment type and geographic location.

Aim: This study evaluates the cost of cancer treatment for patients treated outside Lesotho from the perspective of the healthcare service provider.

Setting: The study was carried out at the Ministry of Health (MOH) headquarters using payment bills and at the Senkatana Oncology Clinic using the patients’ clinical files.

Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional retrospective study analysed medical bills incurred between 2019 and 2022 and patients’ clinical files from the same period. The average costs of various treatment modalities were compared based on age, gender and cancer type.

Results: Of the 200 patients enrolled, 76% (n = 152) were females, and the majority were aged above 30 years (n = 183, 91.5%). Younger patients (below 30) faced the highest chemotherapy average costs, and radiotherapy average costs were highest for the 31–60 age group. The average cost of accommodation coefficient (1.216) showed a positive association, but it was not statistically significant (p = 0.625). A statistically significant difference was observed in the combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy with accommodation (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: Cancer patients who seek cancer treatment outside the country undergo chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, with the majority being on both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. A statistically significant difference was observed in the combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy and accommodation.

Contribution: This study provides an understanding of cancer treatment costs outside Lesotho by enhancing budget insights and recommending a strategic approach.