Cost-utility analysis of colonoscopy or faecal immunochemical test for population-based organised colorectal cancer screening

United European Gastroenterol J. 2019 Feb;7(1):105-113. doi: 10.1177/2050640618803196. Epub 2018 Sep 19.

Abstract

Background: Organised programmes for colorectal cancer screening demand a high burden of medical and economic resources. The preferred methods are the faecal immunochemical test and primary colonoscopy.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to perform an economic analysis and comparison between these tests in Europe.

Methods: We used a Markov cost-utility analysis from a societal perspective comparing biennial faecal immunochemical test or colonoscopy every 10 years screening versus non-screening in Portugal. The population was screened, aged from 50-74 years, and efficacy was evaluated in quality-adjusted life years. For the base-case scenario, the faecal immunochemical test cost was €3 with 50% acceptance and colonoscopy cost was €397 with 38% acceptance. The threshold was set at €39,760/quality-adjusted life years and the primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.

Results: Screening by biennial faecal immunochemical test and primary colonoscopy every 10 years resulted in incremental utilities of 0.00151 quality-adjusted life years and 0.00185 quality-adjusted life years at additional costs of €4 and €191, respectively. The faecal immunochemical test was the most cost-effective option providing an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of €2694/quality-adjusted life years versus €103,633/quality-adjusted life years for colonoscopy. Colonoscopy capacity would have to increase 1.3% for a faecal immunochemical test programme or 31% for colonoscopy.

Conclusion: Biennial faecal immunochemical test screening is better than colonoscopy as it is cost-effective, allows more individuals to get screened, and provides a more rational use of the endoscopic capacity available.

Keywords: Cost analysis; cancer screening; colonoscopy; colorectal neoplasms; cost-benefit analysis; early detection of cancer; occult blood.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Colonoscopy* / economics
  • Colonoscopy* / methods
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Feces / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening
  • Middle Aged
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Population Surveillance