Early Diagnosis is Beneficial in Reducing the Medical Costs in Thyroid Cancer Patients: A Nationwide Cohort Study

• 발행기관: 대한내분비외과학회
• 저자명: Nam Kyung Kim Hee Jun Kim Ho Jung Jeong Jun Sung Lee Hyeok Jun Yun Chiyung Lim Yong Sang Lee Hang-Seok Chang
• 간행물 정보: 『The Koreran journal of Endocrine Surgery』25권2호, 66~77쪽, 전체 12쪽
• 주제분류: 의약학 > 면역학
• 파일형태: PDF
• 발행일자: 2025.06.30

국문 초록

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.

목차

INTRODUCTION

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RESULTS

DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

REFERENCES

키워드

Thyroid cancer Early detection of cancer Medical care cost Hospitalization Treatment Economic burden