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Is screening for breast cancer cost-effective?
1Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, New York.
Cancer
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Mass breast cancer screening is cost-effective compared to other health expenditures, though less so for younger women. Further research is needed due to methodological variations in cost-effectiveness studies.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Oncology
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Breast cancer remains a significant global health burden.
- Screening programs are promoted for early diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes.
- The economic implications of widespread breast cancer screening are debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of mass breast cancer screening programs.
- To synthesize findings from existing cost-effectiveness studies.
- To identify research gaps in the economic evaluation of breast cancer screening.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of nine cost-effectiveness studies on breast cancer screening.
- Inclusion of studies utilizing computer simulations, observational trial data, or combined approaches.
- Analysis of studies conducted in the United States and internationally.
Main Results:
- Breast cancer screening is generally cost-effective when compared to other healthcare interventions.
- Screening demonstrates favorable economic value within the broader healthcare landscape.
- Cost-effectiveness appears less favorable for screening younger women populations.
Conclusions:
- Mass breast cancer screening offers a favorable return on investment in healthcare.
- Variability in study methodologies necessitates further comprehensive economic research.
- Targeted screening strategies, potentially excluding younger demographics, may be more economically efficient.