Reducing the Burden Through Early Detection: Health-Economic Impact of Gastrointestinal Cancers in Saudi Arabia

Background This study aimed to assess the public health and economic burden of five major gastrointestinal (GI) cancers in Saudi Arabia in 2022 and to evaluate the potential impact of earlier detection. Methods A health-economic model was used to estimate the burden of disease in terms of years of life lost (YLL) and the economic burden in terms of treatment costs and productivity loss. The analysis relied primarily on real-world data from Saudi Arabia. Scenario analyses were conducted to assess the potential benefits of earlier detection through shifts in stage distribution. Results In 2022, GI cancers accounted for 24% of all new cancer cases, 34% of deaths, and 32% of all cancer-related YLL. The total economic burden was estimated at USD 1,060 million, including USD 610 million in treatment costs and USD 450 million in productivity losses. Colorectal cancer caused the highest YLL (30,600), followed by liver cancer (17,800), while esophageal cancer caused the lowest. Men experienced higher YLL and costs than women, accounting for 76% of the total economic burden. Scenario analyses showed that earlier detection, particularly for colorectal cancer, could reduce YLL by 8–50% and total costs by 3–26%. For other GI cancers, earlier detection could lower YLL and productivity losses, though treatment costs might increase due to longer survival. Conclusions These findings highlight the significant health and economic burden of GI cancers in Saudi Arabia and underscore the value of investing in early detection strategies to improve outcomes and reduce total costs. Policy summary This paper supports policies that expand and optimize national early detection and screening programs for gastrointestinal cancers, especially colorectal cancer. It advocates for improved screening access, earlier diagnostic pathways, and sustained public health investment to reduce mortality, lower long-term treatment costs, and improve overall population health and healthcare system cost-effectiveness.