Cost–utility analysis of screening for colorectal precancerous lesions and cancer in Beijing: A case–control study

Abstract

Objective: To provide an objective cost–utility evaluation of a colorectal cancer screening program in a hypothetical general population. Materials and Methods: A cost–utility analysis was conducted comparing screened individuals with the general population. Patients were evaluated as part of the screening program which conducted colorectal cancer risk assessments and performed colonoscopies from October 2012 to May 2013. Data were compared to a hypothetical group of the same size, consisting of the general population in which no cancer screening had been conducted. The cost and utility data have been published previously. Results: The average cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) of colorectal cancer screening population was 84,092 CNY, while the average cost per QALY of the general population was 122,530 CNY. The colorectal cancer screening program saved 43,530 CNY per additional QALY. Conclusion: The colorectal cancer screening program could improve health-related quality of life and reduce medical expenditure.