New Cancer Dashboard for Costa Rica
How does Costa Rica perform in cancer care compared with national targets and Latin American OECD peers? This dashboard-style report provides a visual and quantitative overview of selected performance indicators across governance, cancer burden, economic burden, prevention, early detection, diagnosis and coordinated care, and access to innovative medicines. The analysis draws on both national and international data sources.
Costa Rica faces a high and growing cancer burden. In 2024, the country had an estimated incidence of 234 new cases and a mortality rate of 117 deaths per 100,000 people, placing it above most regional OECD peers. Five-year survival compares relatively well, but important socioeconomic inequalities persist. Prevention shows both progress and concern: smoking has declined markedly, while overweight and obesity are rising and HPV vaccination remains below the 90% target.
Performance in early detection remains a major challenge. Mammography and cervical screening coverage remain below national targets, with substantial regional variation. Mammography services are also affected by long waiting times and limited patient tracking. Diagnostic capacity is also constrained by limited imaging equipment, backlogs in the interpretation of scans, and shortages of radiologists. At the same time, national initiatives in digital imaging, tele-radiology, and artificial intelligence could help improve access and efficiency.
Access to innovative cancer medicines remains one of the most significant gaps. Many medicines that receive local regulatory approval do not achieve full institutional availability, and the path from approval to coverage remains lengthy. Legal claims for access have increased considerably, although recent reforms in health technology assessment, prioritization, transitional access, and institutional formulary management provide a stronger foundation for improvement.
The report is written in Spanish
For more information please contact Andrea Manzano
Cancer Dashboard for Costa Rica (Tablero de cáncer para Costa Rica), IHE 2026, Lund, Sweden
Cite: Manzano A, Hofmarcher T. Cancer Dashboard for Costa Rica, IHE 2026, Lund, Sweden
