(B-185) Evaluation of Productivity Losses Due to Premature Mortality from Head and Neck Cancer in Northeast India: a population-based cost analysis

Background: The Northeast region of India has the highest incidence of head and neck cancer (HNC) in India along with a higher prevalence of risk factors and inadequate treatment facilities. However, the societal costs of cancer have rarely been assessed in this region.

Objectives: To determine the years of potential productive life lost (YPPLL) and productivity loss due to HNC in Northeast India.

Methods: A retrospective database study was conducted at a tertiary care cancer hospital using the data of patients registered between 2018 to 2020. We included patients aged ≥18 years and of any gender, diagnosed with HNC and with premature mortality due to HNC. Patients with other cancer along with HNC, who are still alive, and those not taking treatment from the hospital were excluded. YPPLL was estimated by multiplying the number of HNC-specific deaths by the expected productive years remaining, fixing the retirement age at 60. Productivity loss due to premature mortality was obtained by multiplying YPPLL with the GDP per capita of India.

Results: During the study period, out of 11,236 patients registered in the hospital's HNC department, 936 died prematurely (756 males, and 180 females). Cancer deaths accounted for 11,059 YPPLL, with 8,716 in males and 2,343 in females. The leading contributors to YPPLL in the two genders were hypopharynx and oral cavity cancers, respectively. More deaths were in the age group of 50–54 in both sexes. The cost of lost productivity due to HNC-related premature mortality was found to be 24,955,739.4 USD.

Conclusions: HNC represents a significant burden that can be reduced by implementing improved diagnosis and treatment, which must be considered in resource allocation and management policies. The findings underscore the need for improved pharmacoepidemiological strategies, including better drug accessibility, adherence programs, and targeted interventions, to reduce premature mortality and associated productivity losses.