Addressing the gap in health economics data to support national cancer control plans in India using the Childhood Cancers Budgeting Rapidly to Incorporate Disadvantaged Groups for Equity (CC BRIDGE) tool

Childhood Cancer is a pressing health issue in India, with survival rates at 20% for low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to 80% for high-income countries (HICs)(Cotache-Condor et al., 2023). A recent assessment of childhood cancer services in India revealed gaps in availability of specialised pediatric cancer care, including essential drugs and infrastructure for radiotherapy and chemotherapy, particularly in public hospitals (Nath et al., 2023). The inclusion of childhood cancer in national cancer control response was identified as a key priority to improve childhood cancer outcomes in India. National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs) aim to reduce the cancer burden through strategic, evidence-based approaches for cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, research and policy (Oar et al., 2019). However, many NCCPs lack specific financial data and planning, and do not address childhood cancers (Romero et al., 2018; Weaver et al., 2015). Childhood cancers require distinct decision making and inclusion in NCCPs can help prioritize spending for childhood cancers in national budgets and guide effective treatment and advocacy efforts (Weaver et al., 2017). Currently, there is a lack of specific childhood cancer policy or programme components in India and limited information as to the quality of childhood cancer care (Nath et al., 2023). This study aims to estimate a national budget for childhood cancer programs in India to inform the NCCP and improve childhood cancer outcomes. Additionally, this study aims to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis for childhood cancer care in India, better informing policy and planning efforts.