Cost-effective screening strategies for colorectal cancer

This paper models a range of feasible strategies for mass population screening for colorectal cancer. It uses both clinical and economic data derived from the major colorectal cancer screening trial currently under way in Nottingham, supplemented by data from concurrent Scandinavian trials. Costs and yields for 12 strategies are modelled, and optima are identified according to a number of evaluation criteria. The cost-effectiveness condition for the desirability of introducing a programme of colorectal screening is also established.