Lung Cancer in Hospitalized Patients of Thailand
Anakapong Phunmanee MD*, Kosin Wirasorn MD**, Yupa Thavornpitak MSc***, Aumkhae Sookprasert MD**, Jarin Chindaprasirt MD**
Affiliation : * Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand ** Division of Oncology, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand *** Department of Biostatistics and Demography, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Objective : To identify admission rates, treatments and healthcare cost of lung cancer.
Material and Method: Information on illness of inpatients and casualties came from hospitals nationwide and from hospital
withdrawals from the 3 health insurance schemes in the fiscal year 2010. The data included 96% of the population and were
analyzed by age groups, hospital levels, treatment and insurance schemes in patients with lung cancer.
Results : Lung cancer occurred in 27,896 of all admissions, contributing to admission rate of 60 per 100,000 persons. The
admission rates were markedly increased in male more than 60 years old. The majority of treatments were palliative care
61.38%, chemotherapy 36.81%. The average length of stay and hospital charges in three insurance schemes groups:
government welfare, social welfare and universal coverage were 40,571.29 Baht/9.86 days, 43,342.54 Baht/8.24 days and
17,897.75 Baht/6.08 days, respectively.
Conclusion : Admission rates showed that lung cancer increased with age. The highest rate was observed in more than 60
years old. The window gap in hospital charges and length of stay in three insurance schemes are interesting. Thus, analysis
of treatment protocol should be examined.
Keywords : Lung neoplasm, Lung cancer, Lung cancer treatment, Cost of treatment
