Melanoma is 43 times more expensive following diagnosis at Stage IV compared to Stage 0.

By Abigail Riolo, Data Analyst

In 2016, the American Cancer Society identified more than 15.5 Million Americans with a history of cancer. An estimated 1,735,350 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2018. Recent research suggests that around 40% of men and women are projected to be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes.

Early detection of cancer can not only improve the patient’s outcome, but it also has a significant impact on the medical cost of treatment.

Treating advanced vs. early stage cancer is associated with significant increases in cost.

For example, the National Center for Biotechnology Information indicates the average cost of breast cancer treatment per patient in the 12 months after diagnosis ranges from $60,637 at Stage 0 to $134,682 at Stage IV. This means that the potential medical cost is more than twice as much when breast cancer is diagnosed as a Stage IV than a Stage 0. The average cost of Melanoma treatment per patient in the 12 months after diagnosis ranges from $984 at stage 0 to $42,303 at stage IV.

Roundstone can help you to be proactive in developing plans that make excellent medical care and cost effective treatments available to employees.

Sources: Ahrq.gov, Cancer.org, Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Abigail Riolo, M.Ed., MS
Data Analyst

As a Data Analyst with Roundstone, I work with Roundstone’s leadership, underwriting, claims and accounting teams to develop data-driven reports with actionable recommendations that help employers control their healthcare spend.