BCN HEALTH publishes a study highlighting the substantial productivity losses associated with pancreatic cancer mortality in Spain
Despite advances in oncology care, the persistently poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer and rising mortality rates have led to a sustained increase in productivity losses, particularly among the working-age population.
BCN HEALTH has published the study “Pancreatic cancer mortality and associated productivity losses in Spain: A population-based estimate (2013–2022)” in Health Policy, an international peer-reviewed journal focused on health system performance, public health policy, and economic evaluation of healthcare interventions.
BCN HEALTH conducted a retrospective, population-based analysis to estimate the indirect costs associated with premature mortality from pancreatic cancer in Spain over the period 2013–2022, applying the human capital approach. The study used official mortality data from the Spanish National Institute of Statistics (INE), combined with age- and sex-specific employment rates and wage data from national labour and salary surveys. Productivity losses were estimated through the calculation of Years of Potential Labour Productive Life Lost (YPLPLL), with future income discounted at an annual rate of 3%. Sensitivity analyses were performed using alternative discount rates (0% and 6%), different productivity assumptions, and an extended retirement age scenario.
Between 2013 and 2022, deaths due to pancreatic cancer increased from 6,039 to 7,973, making it the leading cause of death among digestive system tumors by the end of the study period. On average, nearly one quarter of pancreatic cancer deaths occurred during working age, resulting in a mean annual loss of approximately 14,419 years of potential productive working life. Estimated productivity losses rose from €253.4 million in 2013 to €406.2 million in 2022, with cumulative losses of €3.25 billion over the ten-year period. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings, with total costs ranging between €3.00 billion and €3.52 billion depending on assumptions.
Despite advances in oncology care, the persistently poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer and rising mortality rates have led to a sustained increase in productivity losses, particularly among the working-age population. The study highlights substantial differences by sex and region, as well as a marked increase in economic burden when later retirement ages are considered. These results underscore the urgent need for public health strategies focused on prevention, early detection in high-risk populations, and innovation in advanced-stage treatments.
The findings provide updated and policy-relevant evidence on the societal costs of pancreatic cancer in Spain, offering valuable insights for health authorities and decision-makers when prioritizing resource allocation and evaluating the broader economic impact of cancer control strategies.
More information can be found at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthpol.2026.105564