Comparing the cost of non-metastatic breast cancer care in a low-income vs a high-income country: A plea for an optimal allocation of health resources in Sub-Saharan Africa

Breast cancer incidence is rising in low-income countries, but there is limited information regarding health resource allocation for its care. We assessed the cost of care during the first three years after diagnosis in a low-income country (Mozambique; n = 162 women) and compared it with a high-income country (Portugal, n = 703 women). Local currency prices were converted to 2019 international dollars (Int$). In Mozambique, the median cost was lower than in Portugal (2888 vs 18,533 Int$, respectively) and did not vary across stage or tumor subtype. These findings may help improving resource allocation for breast cancer care in Sub-Saharan Africa, despite reflecting an underfunding of treatment in this setting.
Highlights • Health resource allocation for breast cancer care is ill-defined in low-income countries. • The median cost of care of non-metastatic breast cancer was 6-fold higher in Portugal vs Mozambique. • The median cost of care did not vary across stage or tumor subtype in Mozambique. • These findings reflect an underfunding of breast cancer treatment in this low-income setting. • These data may help improving resource allocation for breast cancer care in Sub-Saharan Africa.