The economic cost of thyroid cancer in France and the corresponding share associated with treatment of overdiagnosed cases

In a new study, scientists from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and collaborators assess the economic impact of thyroid cancer in France and, for the first time, the proportion of costs linked to the management and treatment of cases that have been overdiagnosed. The study was published in the journal Value in Health.

The authors report that the total cost of management of patients with thyroid cancer was about €200 million, of which between €60 million and €116 million (or between 29% and 57% of the total cost) was attributable to treatment of overdiagnosed cases.

The researchers conclude that the management of thyroid cancer in France represents not only a relevant clinical and public health problem but also a potentially important economic burden. Overdiagnosis and corresponding associated treatments play an important role in the total cost of thyroid cancer management.

Li M, Meheus F, Polazzi S, Delafosse P, Borson-Chazot F, Seigneurin A, et al.
The economic cost of thyroid cancer in France and the corresponding share associated with treatment of overdiagnosed cases
Value Health, Published online 13 March 2023;
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jval.2023.02.016

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