The annual costs associated with human papillomavirus types 6, 11, 16, and 18 infections in Finland.

Objective: It is known that infections with human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16, and 18, cause cervical cancers (CC), cervical intraepithelial neoplastic lesions (types 1 to 3; CIN 1-3), and genital warts (GW). Together with equivocal cytological abnormalities (ECA), these place a considerable burden on society, but the costs and resource usage are not easily estimated. Therefore, we undertook this study to estimate the burden and costs associated with HPV-related diseases.

Methods: We used Finnish registry-based data for CC, CIN 1-3 and ECA. Data on GW were estimated from associated procedures and medications. The annual burden of disease was estimated from hospitalizations, visits to specialists and primary level care, and pharmaceutical use. The evaluation of costs included health care and screening costs, and productivity lost (separately). Due to the data obtained being fragmented, 2 cost scenarios were constructed.

Results: The follow-up of ECA appears to be the most important cost driver. GW should not be underestimated as they affect both genders at an early age.

Conclusions: HPV infections are a burden to society, not only as a result of cancer-related costs, but also costs related to other diseases and indirect costs in the form of lost productivity.