Colorectal cancer screening in Canada is cost-effective
Key points
- Colorectal cancer screening is cost-effective and offers the best value for provincial health ministries in Canada, states an article in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
- Increased advanced detection helps prevent cancer and avoids future treatment costs.
- The study, by researchers from the University of British Columbia and Dalhousie University, analyzed 10 screening strategies (including no screening) recommended in the American 2008 Multi-Society Task Force Guidelines on colorectal cancer screening.
- "Depending on the strategy, screening yields reductions in colorectal cancer mortality between 39% and 83% and incidence between 26% and 81%," write Dr.
Colorectal cancer screening is cost-effective and offers the best value for provincial health ministries in Canada, states an article in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal). A high sensitivity fecal test, such as the fecal immunochemical test, or colonoscopy every ten years is recommended.
Increased advanced detection helps prevent cancer and avoids future treatment costs.
The study, by researchers from the University of British Columbia and Dalhousie University, analyzed 10 screening strategies (including no screening) recommended in the American 2008 Multi-Society Task Force Guidelines on colorectal cancer screening.
"Depending on the strategy, screening yields reductions in colorectal cancer mortality between 39% and 83% and incidence between 26% and 81%," write Dr. Jennifer Telford and Dr. Robert Enns, University of British Columbia with coauthors.
These findings are consistent with previously published studies.
"Colorectal cancer screening of average-risk individuals is a cost-effective measure, even with less than perfect compliance," conclude the authors.
###
Contact: Kim Barnhardt
[email protected]
613-520-7116 x2224
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
Explore health topics
More in this topic
Cancer →
NewsColorectal Cancer Screening Rates Still Too Low
Although colorectal cancer screening tests are proven to reduce colorectal cancer mortality, only about half of U.S. men and women 50 and older receive the recommended tests, according to a report in the July 2008 issue…
15 July 2008
NewsProvider influence and patient barriers affect use of colorectal cancer screening
A new study shows that health care providers play a key role in the likelihood their patients are screened for colorectal cancer. The findings suggest that interventions targeting both the provider and the patient are…
12 February 2008
GuideDiagnosis and Screening for Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is common and readily treated in many cases, making it an ideal cancer to try to prevent using screening strategies. Because almost all colorectal cancers arise from adenomatous polyps, one might…
