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Do Medical Treatments Work for Work? Evidence from Breast Cancer Patients

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  • N. Meltem Daysal
  • William N. Evans
  • Mikkel Hasse Pedersen
  • Mircea Trandafir

Abstract

We investigate the effects of radiation therapy on the mortality and economic outcomes of breast cancer patients. We implement a 2SLS strategy within a difference-in-difference framework exploiting variation in treatment stemming from a medical guideline change in Denmark. Using administrative data, we reproduce results from an RCT showing the lifesaving benefits of radiotherapy. We then show therapy also has economic returns: ten years after diagnosis, treatment increases employment by 37% and earnings by 45%. Mortality and economic results are driven by results for more educated women, indicating that equalizing access to treatment may not be sufficient to reduce health inequalities.

Suggested Citation

  • N. Meltem Daysal & William N. Evans & Mikkel Hasse Pedersen & Mircea Trandafir, 2024. "Do Medical Treatments Work for Work? Evidence from Breast Cancer Patients," NBER Working Papers 32167, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:32167
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • J20 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - General

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