Assessing the impact of kidney cancer-related premature mortality and productivity loss in Greece and Portugal

Abstract

Objective: In 2018, 371,750 people were diagnosed with kidney cancer globally, constituting 2.2% of all cancer diagnoses. Since 2010, the number of kidney cancer deaths in Europe have decreased in people under 65. However, this is not the case in Greece and Portugal. This study estimated the mortality and lost productivity due to premature mortality from kidney cancer in Greece and Portugal. Methods: Years of life lost (YLL) and present value of future lost productivity (PVFLP) due to kidney cancer mortality (ICD-10 code: C64–Malignant neoplasm of kidney, except renal pelvis) were calculated using the human capital approach. Age-specific mortality, mean earnings, and labor force participation rates were used in these calculations. Results: In 2019, there were 564 and 454 kidney cancer deaths in Greece and Portugal, respectively, resulting in 5,871 (3,636 in males and 2,234 in females) and 5,397 (3,100 in males and 2,297 in females) YLL, respectively. YPLL and annual PVFLP were estimated to be 1,326 and €14.8 M in Greece and 1,278 and €11.8 M in Portugal, respectively. Conclusion: YLL and PVFLP due to kidney cancer mortality are substantial in Greece and Portugal. These results provide new evidence to assist decision-makers in allocating resources to reduce cancer burden.