| [Purpose] To analyze the direct medical burden and indirect economic burden of lung cancer patients in China from 2015 to 2023, providing scientific evidence for optimizing lung cancer prevention and control strategies and rationally allocating healthcare resources. [Methods] Data on lung cancer mortality and mortality-to-incidence ratios were sourced from the National Mortality Surveillance System and the National Cancer Registry System. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for lung cancer in China from 2015 to 2023 were estimated, by age, sex, and region. The direct medical burden was calculated based on per capita hospitalization costs derived from national inpatient medical record summaries. The indirect economic burden was subsequently estimated by applying the human capital approach. [Results] Between 2015 and 2023, the average annual per capita hospitalization cost increased by 6.1%. Patients with adenocarcinoma incurred the highest per capita costs, with notable increases in surgical fees (10.38%) and consumables fees (6.25%), particularly among female patients. The national direct medical burden for lung cancer showed an upward trend from 2015 to 2023, reaching a total of 229.43 billion CNY with an average annual growth rate of 18.68%. The total indirect economic burden increased to 360.93 billion CNY (average annual growth: 6.08%), although the per capita indirect burden exhibited a declining trend. The rate of increase for direct medical costs was significantly higher for women (23.32%) than for men (11.95%). Conversely, while men bore a higher absolute indirect burden, the growth rate of indirect costs was faster for women. Individuals aged 60 and above bore the highest direct medical costs, while those aged 45-59 incurred the highest indirect costs. Across all age groups, women experienced a higher growth rate in direct medical burden than men, with women under 45 showing the highest increase (40.62%). The eastern region bore the heaviest economic burden, with direct medical costs growing faster than indirect costs. [Conclusion] From 2015 to 2023, the economic burden of lung cancer in China has increased substantially, particularly in direct medical costs. The cost structure has also been shifted toward advanced services, such as surgery and medical consumables. Gender and regional disparities have been particularly evident, with women and populations in eastern regions bearing heavier economic burdens. Future efforts should be directed toward improving the precision and regional equity of lung cancer prevention and control strategies, optimizing resource allocation to mitigate rising medical costs, and ensuring the economic sustainability of the lung cancer prevention and treatment system. |
