Economic downturns, universal health coverage, and cancer mortality in high-income and middle-income countries, 1990–2010: A longitudinal analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of unemployment and public-sector expenditure on health care (PEH) on cancer mortality, analyzing data from 1990 to 2010 across 75-79 countries representing billions of people. The analysis found that unemployment increases are significantly associated with rising cancer mortality, particularly for treatable cancers, with the effect lasting for up to five years. However, this association disappears when accounting for universal health coverage (UHC) status, suggesting that access to healthcare may be a protective factor. Conversely, increased PEH is linked to reduced cancer mortality across various cancer types. The study estimates that the 2008-2010 economic crisis may have resulted in over 40,000 excess deaths from treatable cancers, primarily in non-UHC countries. These findings highlight the importance of economic stability and healthcare access in mitigating the negative health consequences of economic downturns.