Cancer care and its financial impact in Venezuela. A look from critical epidemiology

The rapid scientific advancement of oncology has led to an increase in patient survival, which has translated into a significant increase in cancer care-related expenses. In Venezuela, by 2022, more than 62,000 new cases were recorded in the country, as well as 31,000 deaths, generating a significant economic burden that has not been adequately studied. Objective: To analyze the financial impact of cancer care in Venezuela from the perspective of critical epidemiology. Methods: Critical processes related to cancer patient care were identified, and a critical process matrix was then constructed, and the findings obtained from this matrix are reported. Results: The research found that the fragile Venezuelan public health system is marked by high costs of diagnostic procedures and treatments, as well as by shortages of supplies, medications, and a lack of specialized healthcare personnel, which has a strong negative economic impact on family budgets. Conclusions: Venezuelan cancer patients face serious challenges in accessing quality medical care, which contributes to the growth of existing inequalities, limits equitable access to cancer care, and significantly increases the costs of cancer care.