Cost-effectiveness analysis of sequential two-step screening versus direct colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer: a large-scale survey in Eastern China

TL;DR

This study compares the cost-effectiveness of two colorectal cancer screening methods in China and finds that a two-step approach is better when colonoscopy acceptance is low.

Contribution

The study introduces a decision-tree Markov model to evaluate CRC screening strategies in a large-scale Eastern Chinese population.

Findings

Sequential screening is more cost-effective than direct colonoscopy at current acceptance rates.

Colonoscopy acceptance above 37.2% makes it more beneficial than sequential screening.

Lowering colonoscopy costs increases individuals' willingness to undergo the procedure.

Abstract

Despite the implementation of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs in many regions worldwide over the past few decades, the cost-effectiveness of these programs has been questioned owing to their acceptance rates. In this study, we evaluated the cost-effectiveness of screening strategies, quantified the impact of colonoscopy acceptance rates, and analyzed the underlying factors driving individual preferences.

The cost-effectiveness of three strategies—no screening, sequential two-step screening (fecal immunochemical test and risk assessment, followed by colonoscopy), and colonoscopy screening—was evaluated from a societal perspective. This assessment was conducted using a decision-tree Markov model with the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio as the primary evaluation criterion.

Sequential screening was more cost-effective than colonoscopy screening (19,335 vs. 27,379 United States dollars per quality-adjusted life year). Ideal sequential screening could prevent 32.2%(691/2147) CRC deaths, whereas colonoscopy screening at the same colonoscopy acceptance rate (20.3%) could prevent 17.6%(377/2147) CRC deaths. When the acceptance rate of direct colonoscopy surpasses the threshold of 37.2%, the resulting health benefits likely outweigh those achieved using a the sequential two-step screening approach.

Sequential screening is recommended for individuals in areas with constrained screening resources or during the early stages of regional screening program implementation. However, once screening habits are established, transitioning to direct colonoscopy screening becomes more favorable. Notably, reducing colonoscopy costs is the principal factor for enhancing an individual’s willingness to undergo the procedure.

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