Comparing the cost of non-metastatic breast cancer care in a low-income vs a high-income country: A plea for an optimal allocation of health resources in Sub-Saharan Africa

Breast cancer incidence is rising in low-income countries, but there is limited information regarding health resource allocation for its care. We assessed the cost of care during the first three years after diagnosis in a low-income country (Mozambique; n = 162 women) and compared it with a high-income country (Portugal, n = 703 women). Local currency prices were converted to 2019 international dollars (Int$). In Mozambique, the median cost was lower than in Portugal (2888 vs 18,533 Int$, respectively) and did not vary across stage or tumor subtype. These findings may help improving resource allocation for breast cancer care in Sub-Saharan Africa, despite reflecting an underfunding of treatment in this setting. •Health resource allocation for breast cancer care is ill-defined in low-income countries.•The median cost of care of non-metastatic breast cancer was 6-fold higher in Portugal vs Mozambique.•The median cost of care did not vary across stage or tumor subtype in Mozambique.•These findings reflect an underfunding of breast cancer treatment in this low-income setting.•These data may help improving resource allocation for breast cancer care in Sub-Saharan Africa.