What are the key components of cancer healthcare costs?
The healthcare costs associated with cancer can be broadly categorized into several components. These include the costs of diagnosis, treatment, ongoing care, and end-of-life care. Diagnosis costs encompass procedures like biopsies, imaging tests, and pathology reports. Treatment costs involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and newer targeted therapies. Ongoing care includes follow-up visits, rehabilitation, and managing side effects. End-of-life care often involves palliative care and hospice services.
