Breast cancer treatment outcomes, therapy options and costs in Poland (2005–2007)

Abstract

Introduction. The National Health Fund Patients’ Therapy Registry was analysed with special focus on the treatment outcomes, therapy options and costs.

Patients and methods. 43,738 patients were diagnosed (for the first time) with breast cancer in Poland in 2005–2007.

Outcomes. The overall relative 5-years survival was 79.8% (range 75.3%–82.4% in voivodeships). Chemotherapy was given to 69.4% of patients (range 59.3%–87.6% in voivodeships). Differences between voivodeships with reference to irradiation rate was almost double (range 32.4%–63.0%). Differences between voivodeships with reference to the ratio of surgically treated patients (reflecting differences in the disease stage at the diagnosis) and differences in the rate of sentinel node procedure (reflecting quality of surgery in the area) were significantly related to the treatment outcomes. There were significant differences in the treatment costs between voivodeships (from 20,000 to 41,000 PLN) which were not significantly related to the survival rate.

Conclusions. There has been a significant improvement in treatment outcomes in Poland for breast cancer patients. Large differences in outcomes, therapy options and costs between voivodeships may reflect lack of adherence to therapy guidelines and suboptimal reimbursement of treatment costs.