Population Screening for Colorectal Cancer and Our Ageing Population
Author Information
Author(s): Macafee D A L, Waller M, Whynes D K, Moss S, Scholefield J H
Primary Institution: Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
Hypothesis
Does an ageing population affect the cost-effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening?
Conclusion
Population screening for colorectal cancer is costly but enables cost savings in certain areas and a considerable reduction in mortality from CRC.
Supporting Evidence
- Screening reduced the lifetime risk of colorectal cancer from 8.6% to 7.9%.
- 30,345 fewer colorectal cancer-related deaths were observed over 50 years in the screened cohort.
- The cost per life year saved was £1544 for the late cohort and £1651 for the early cohort.
- Population screening is expected to improve cost-effectiveness with rising life expectancies.
Takeaway
This study looks at how screening for colon cancer can help save lives and money, especially as people live longer.
Methodology
A Markov model was constructed to simulate a population-based screening setting and assess the effect of increasing life expectancy on CRC screening cost-effectiveness.
Potential Biases
The Markovian assumption may not accurately reflect medical realities, as it assumes independence from the time spent in each state.
Limitations
The model's mortality data was deficient, and it only considered a 10-year cohort in England and Wales.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on populations in England and Wales, particularly those aged 60 to 69 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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