Launch of Tackling the Impact of Cancer on Health, the Economy and Society

Cancer causes one in four premature deaths in OECD countries, and accounts for 10% of healthcare expenditure. But its impacts extend beyond the health system. Cancer negatively affects people’s mental health, work life and income. At a societal level, cancer reduces workforce performance and productivity. Using microsimulation modelling, this report shows how stronger action on cancer would yield broad benefits in 51 countries (including OECD, European Union and G20 countries). Reducing the variability in cancer care outcomes across countries could prevent a quarter of premature cancer deaths. Addressing key cancer risk factors, including tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diet, air quality, overweight and physical inactivity, would not only lower cancer rates and health expenditure, it would also benefit the labour market, safety and the environment. Vaccination for human papilloma virus can protect future generations from cervical cancer. The report demonstrates that there is a strong economic and societal well-being case for investing in cancer policies.