The High Cost of Cancer
July 11th, 2006 by Sarah WhiteToday’s must-read is from USA Today, which reports that the cost of cancer drugs has skyrocketed, even compared to the rising cost of other types of drugs.
The cost of cancer drugs rose 16 percent last year, compared to a 3 percent rise for other kinds of prescription drugs. The newer drug therapies tend to be the most expensive, with some costing around $10,000 a month.
The high cost comes with some benefit, though, as the more expensive drugs also tend to prolong life. A handy little chart with this story says that the drugs available in 1996 to treat advanced colorectal cancer cost $500 and usually allowed the patient to live 11 months. The current drugs cost $250,000 and give the patient two years on average.
Drug companies say they have to make profits, and they aren’t out to take advantage of patients with life-threatening illnesses. They also say they give away billions of dollars in drugs to uninsured people who need them. Well, that makes me feel a lot better.
Sarah White wrote this on July 11th, 2006 and filed it under Healthy Living, Women's Health, Men's Health, Health & Aging |
