Early Diagnosis is Beneficial in Reducing the Medical Costs in Thyroid Cancer Patients: A Nationwide Cohort Study
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Purpose: The incidence and economic burden of thyroid cancer have increased in South Korea over the past few years, primarily due to widespread use of high-resolution ultrasonography. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of early thyroid cancer diagnosis and to analyze the differences in incurred medical expenses depending on the disease stage at the time of detection. Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service, a retrospective analysis was conducted on a nationwide cohort comprising one million patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer between 2002 and 2015. Methods: The patients were classified into early-stage and advanced-stage groups based on surgical extent and use of radioactive iodine therapy. Comparative analyses between these 2 groups were performed regarding surgical extent, treatment costs, hospitalization frequency, and outpatient visits. Results: From 2013 onward, both the incidence of thyroid cancer and the frequency of extensive surgeries showed a declining trend. Patients diagnosed at an early stage incurred significantly lower total medical costs—including hospitalization and outpatient expenses—compared to those diagnosed at an advanced stage. Conclusion: This study suggests that early detection of thyroid cancer not only benefits individual patients by reducing treatment burden but also alleviates the overall economic strain on the national healthcare system.
Abstract
Purpose: The incidence and economic burden of thyroid cancer have increased in South Korea over the past few years, primarily due to widespread use of high-resolution ultrasonography. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of early thyroid cancer diagnosis and to analyze the differences in incurred medical expenses depending on the disease stage at the time of detection. Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service, a retrospective analysis was conducted on a nationwide cohort comprising one million patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer between 2002 and 2015. Methods: The patients were classified into early-stage and advanced-stage groups based on surgical extent and use of radioactive iodine therapy. Comparative analyses between these 2 groups were performed regarding surgical extent, treatment costs, hospitalization frequency, and outpatient visits. Results: From 2013 onward, both the incidence of thyroid cancer and the frequency of extensive surgeries showed a declining trend. Patients diagnosed at an early stage incurred significantly lower total medical costs—including hospitalization and outpatient expenses—compared to those diagnosed at an advanced stage. Conclusion: This study suggests that early detection of thyroid cancer not only benefits individual patients by reducing treatment burden but also alleviates the overall economic strain on the national healthcare system.