Cost of breast cancer to UK economy set to increase further
Warning issued to government over breast cancer care
- New analysis projects the financial burden of breast cancer on the UK economy to surge by nearly a third, reaching £4.2 billion by 2050.
- The charity Breast Cancer Now, in collaboration with the think tank Demos, warns of "dire consequences" unless urgent action is taken to ensure equitable diagnosis, treatment, and care.
- The projected costs, currently £3.2-£3.5 billion in 2025, encompass direct NHS expenses and the economic impact of lost productivity from patients and informal carers.
- Boosting breast screening uptake to 80 per cent could generate £185 million in savings by 2025, while tackling health inequalities could save thousands of lives and hundreds of millions of pounds annually.
- Breast Cancer Now is urging governments and policymakers across the UK to implement measures to improve outcomes for those affected by breast cancer and achieve significant cost savings for the NHS and the wider economy.