Cancer poses an increasing global health and economic burden, challenging healthcare systems to deliver effective and affordable care. Recent years have witnessed the rapid development of advanced diagnostics, targeted therapies, and personalized medicine, amplifying both the potential and the complexity of cancer management. Meanwhile, persistent disparities in access to prevention, early detection, and effective treatment continue to undermine efforts to reduce the societal impact of cancer. As public health systems face tightening budgets and increasing demands, health economic evaluation has emerged as a crucial tool for informing resource allocation and prioritizing interventions with the greatest value for populations. There is a growing consensus on the need for rigorous, context-specific analyses to guide decision-making and maximize returns on investment in cancer prevention and control.

The goal of this Research Topic is to build an international platform for sharing high-quality evidence, robust methodologies, and innovative approaches in the health economic evaluation of cancer prevention and control. By advancing both theory and practice, we aim to support policymakers, clinicians, and researchers worldwide in making better-informed decisions that promote efficient, equitable, and sustainable cancer care. Key objectives include identifying gaps in current economic evaluations, promoting standardized methodologies and transparent reporting, and exploring policy-relevant solutions for improving patient access and health outcomes. The Research Topic aspires to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and stimulate actionable dialogue among all stakeholders, ultimately contributing to the global fight against cancer by optimizing the use of available resources and facilitating the implementation of cost-effective interventions.

Manuscripts are welcome on a wide range of topics relevant to health economic evaluation in cancer prevention and control, including but not limited to:

• Economic evaluation of cancer screening programs:

What is the cost-effectiveness of different screening modalities for various cancers in different populations and health system contexts?

• Assessment of new cancer therapies and diagnostics:

How do novel medicines, advanced diagnostics, or precision oncology approaches compare in terms of value and budget impact?

• Analyzing disparities in access, outcomes, and cost:

What economic barriers exist in prevention and care, and what policy solutions can promote equity?

• Health economic modeling and real-world evidence:

What insights can modeling or observational data provide about health policies and cancer care interventions in various settings?

• Impacts of health insurance, cost-sharing, and reimbursement:

How do insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs, and reimbursement schemes influence cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment access?

• Budget impact and resource allocation analysis:

What are the implications of introducing new interventions or technologies on health system budgets and resource prioritization?

We look forward to diverse perspectives and encourage submissions from multidisciplinary teams. All research designs and article types are welcome.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Health Economic Evaluation in Cancer Prevention and Control