Objective:

To estimate last-year-of-life expenditure for patients diagnosed with cancer in Colombia.

Methods:

This is a descriptive retrospective study. Using claims data for two HMO for years 20112013, last-year-of-life expenditure was estimated for all persons dying in 2012-2013. Cancer diagnoses were identified using ICD-10 codes. Last-year-of-life expenditure was defined as allservices provided between the date of death and the 360 days previous.

Results:

A cancer diagnosis was recorded in 30.4% of the deceased and accounted for 43.6% of total last-year-of-life expenditure in 2012, and 40% in 2013. The mean per deceased expenditure was between 72% and 76% higher for patients with cancer as compared to patients without cancer. Last-year-of-life expenditure increases with the proximity to death.

Conclusion:

The use of resources for people dying with cancer diagnosis could be reduced with palliative care programs that give patients a quality of life.

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