Cancer Cost Benchmarks
| Cancer Type | Average Annual Treatment Cost | Key Cost Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Breast cancer | $50,000–$150,000 | Surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy |
| Lung cancer | $100,000–$300,000 | Immunotherapy, targeted therapy, surgery |
| Colorectal cancer | $80,000–$200,000 | Surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy |
| Prostate cancer | $30,000–$100,000 | Surgery, radiation, hormone therapy |
| Leukemia/lymphoma | $100,000–$500,000+ | Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplant |
The Specialty Drug Cost Driver
Specialty cancer drugs — immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and CAR-T cell therapy — are driving dramatic cost increases in cancer care. A single course of CAR-T cell therapy can cost $400,000–$500,000. Immunotherapy drugs like Keytruda and Opdivo cost $150,000–$200,000 per year. These drugs are transforming cancer outcomes — but at extraordinary cost.
The Plan Impact
IQ Insight
A single cancer patient can generate $200,000–$500,000 in claims in a single plan year — easily exceeding the specific stop-loss attachment point for most level-funded plans. For self-funded employers, cancer is the primary driver of stop-loss claims. Cancer care management programs that improve care quality and reduce unnecessary treatment can significantly reduce both direct costs and stop-loss premiums.