Economic impact of timely diagnosis and early referral in comprehensive cancer care in Mexico: the DERIVA strategy

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the savings of a strategy for early diagnosis and treatment of patients with suspected cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A financial analysis of the savings was carried out using a timely diagnostic program DERIVA. Cancers with higher mortality in Mexico were evaluated under three scenarios of earlier stage diagnosis. Optimistic: stage III to II (8-40%) and IV to III (2.6-40%). Moderate: stage III to II (4-24%) and IV to III (1.3-24%). Conservative: stage III to II (1-7%) and IV to III (0.7-10%). RESULTS: Care in stage II is projected to increase by 13.85% for breast cancer and 5.13% for colorectal cancer, while stage III care for lung cancer is expected to rise by 14.1%. The estimated average savings amount to 4 106 834.94 ± 6 467 043.35 USD. CONCLUSION: Early detection and treatment of certain types of cancer can lead to significant cost savings, contributing to the financial sustainability of the health system and to improved survival rates and quality of life for patients.