Total costs associated with asbestos-related esophageal cancer care

Esophageal cancer constitutes at least 1% of the cancers diagnosed among people living in the United States. The costs of esophageal cancer treatment vary widely and depend on the stage of the cancer and the type of treatment. The average monthly cost of treatment for esophageal cancer is the highest ($18,150) during the terminal phase lasting about 6 months and the lowest during the continuing phase ($2,984).

The initial treatment costs average up to $7,731 and the staging costs can reach up to $8,953. A pattern of high staging and initial treatment costs followed by decreasing continuing phase costs and substantially increasing terminal phase costs can be found associated with the management of esophageal cancer.

Esophageal cancer care costs rise with the number of treatment modalities

The most common approaches to treatment for esophageal cancer include surgery, chemotherapy followed by surgery, chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery, and chemoradiotherapy. Esophageal cancer care costs also include hospitalization and supportive care costs. Here are the average costs of the different treatment approaches:

• Surgery (esophagectomy) alone: $33,517
• Chemotherapy followed by surgery: $41,875
• Chemoradiotherapy alone: $46,659
• Chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery: $47,389

Depending on certain factors that are unique in each case, the cost of esophageal cancer care may vary. The factors that differ between individuals and influence the total cost incurred for esophageal cancer management include the age, staging of the cancer, treatment plan, cancer care provider/facility chosen for treatment, and health insurance coverage.

Generally, the costs of esophageal cancer treatment are the highest during the last months of life (terminal phase) as the patients will need high amounts of aggressive care including hospitalizations and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. The terminal phase costs were $20,533 and $20,599 in Stage II and Stage III respectively.

Asbestos-related esophageal cancer victims and family members are entitled to receive financial compensation

There is evidence to support that a link between the development of esophageal cancer and previous occupational asbestos exposure exists. If you or your family member has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, we strongly recommend you get in touch with an attorney as early as possible.

We have a dedicated team of lawyers who are experienced in handling such cases and they will assist you in filing your claim with the appropriate asbestos trust funds so that you receive compensation.