Reducing the Burden Through Early Detection: Health-Economic Impact of Gastrointestinal Cancers in Saudi Arabia
Shedrawy J, Alessy S , Al-Bawardy B, Manzano A , Aldarwesh S , AlAhmed R, Bawaked R, Razack H, Alattas M, Allehebi A, Alshammari K, Alzanbagi A, Maddirevula S, Althwanay A, Rakic S ,Cetinkaya V , Alghamdi S , AlJudaibi B , Hofmarcher T , Alqahtani S
A new study provides the first comprehensive assessment of the health and economic burden of five major gastrointestinal (GI) cancers in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the substantial impact these cancers have on both population health and the economy. In 2022, GI cancers accounted for:
• 24% of all new cancer cases
• 34% of all cancer-related deaths
• 32% of all cancer-related years of life lost (YLL)
Years of life lost is a key measure of premature mortality, capturing the number of years people would have lived had they not died from cancer. The findings show that GI cancers are responsible for a disproportionate share of premature deaths in Saudi Arabia.
Among the cancers studied, colorectal cancer was associated with the highest number of years of life lost (30,600 YLL), followed by liver cancer (17,800 YLL). Together, these cancers contribute substantially to the loss of productive life years, affecting patients, families, and society as a whole.
The study also quantified the economic consequences of GI cancers. The total economic burden in 2022 was estimated at USD 1.06 billion, including:
• USD 610 million in direct treatment costs
• USD 450 million in productivity losses due to illness and premature death
Colorectal cancer generated the largest economic burden among the GI cancers analysed. Men accounted for approximately 76% of total costs, reflecting both higher disease burden and productivity losses.
To assess opportunities for reducing this burden, the researchers modelled scenarios in which cancers are detected at earlier stages. The results suggest that prevention, screening, and timely diagnosis could lead to substantial health gains and economic benefits.
For colorectal cancer, earlier detection was estimated to reduce years of life lost by 8–50% and lower total costs by 3–26%. Similar improvements in survival and reductions in productivity losses were observed for other GI cancers. Although treatment costs may increase in some cases because patients live longer, these increases are offset by significant gains in life expectancy and reductions in the societal burden of cancer.
The findings underline the value of investing in preventive strategies and early detection programs. Expanding access to screening, improving awareness of cancer symptoms, and strengthening diagnostic pathways could reduce premature mortality, preserve productive life years, and improve the long-term sustainability of healthcare spending.
As healthcare systems face growing cancer burdens, the study provides important evidence that earlier detection is not only a clinical priority but also a sound economic investment.
Journal of Cancer Policy, Volume 49, September 2026, 100762
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcpo.2026.100762
